Two. More. Days.
A little over a year ago (wait, it was OVER A YEAR AGO? Already?) I wrote a blog about how the 'dead zone' between the Super Bowl and the start of MLB spring training had shrunk from two weeks and change to just a few days.
Well, here we are, in 2025 just two days away - a mere 48 hours or so - from the time pitchers and catchers start reporting to spring training sites in Florida and Arizona to being ramping up for Opening Day. It's always one of my favorite times of the year, because it's a sign that spring is on its way (thank you, Staten Island Chuck!) and soon it will be emerald green grass and hot dogs and Cracker Jacks and ice cream in helmets and all that good stuff.
It's that time of year where hope springs eternal, where you might think that your team has a chance to win it all. Some years, it's just a pipe dream; other years, you may feel that you are on the cusp of something special.
As a lifelong Mets fan, I have spent many Februaries knowing the Amazins had no chance that year; 2025, however, has a far different feel to it. A year ago, after a somewhat quiet and disappointing offseason, the Mets were not expected to do very much in the regular season. After a terrible start to the year, the Mets took off, and, following a series of incredible moments, ultimately fell to the Dodgers in the NLCS, just two wins shy of a World Series appearance.
This past offseason was anything but quiet. The Mets shocked the world by signing Juan Soto, one of the best players in the game, to a 15-year, $765 million deal that, if a clause is enacted, could reach $805 million by the time it's all said and done. The Mets also brought back Pete Alonso, Jesse Winker and Sean Manaea on short-term deals, and, long story short, made a series of other moves to bolster the team's depth. It will not be fun for opposing pitchers to try to navigate through Lindor, Soto, and Alonso at least three times a game, especially with runners on base.
Of course, there are flaws. The starting rotation is good, but lacks a clear superstar ace. It's unclear whether 3B Mark Vientos will be able to replicate a fantastic 2024 season. Catcher Francisco Alvarez figures to be a key part of the franchise, but at this time he's bringing in a career .221 batting average and his power numbers dropped last year compared to 2023. It will be critical for Alvarez to be a tougher out this season in order to lengthen an already dangerous lineup. Bullpens are never a guarantee for any team, no matter how good they may look on paper. Did the Mets get better in the offseason? Yes. What remains to be seen is just how much better.
So here we go. Two more days until pitchers and catchers. And then we can start counting down to Opening Day.
What, were you expecting a Super Bowl recap or something?