The New York Mets on the Brink of History
The New York Mets are gearing up for what could be one of the most anticipated and exciting seasons in their storied history. Fresh off an unexpected and thrilling run to Game 6 of the National League Championship Series (NLCS), the club made a historic move by signing Juan Soto, arguably the most seismic transaction in franchise history. The Mets didn’t stop there, though. They fortified their lineup and pitching staff by bringing back key internal free agents Pete Alonso, Sean Manaea, and Jesse Winker. To further bolster their bullpen, they added A.J. Minter and re-signed Ryne Stanek. The rotation received a significant upgrade with the signings of Clay Holmes and Frankie Montas, and the defense was enhanced by trading for Jose Siri, one of the best center fielders in the sport. This combination of moves has transformed the Mets into a powerhouse, and it also means that spring training will have fewer position battles than usual.
Eight Out of Nine Spots Filled
Of the nine regular spots in the lineup, eight are seemingly filled, leaving only second base as a point of contention. Manager Carlos Mendoza, speaking at the start of camp, indicated that Jeff McNeil is "pretty much right there" for the second base position but stopped short of naming him the starter. This suggests that McNeil has some work to do this spring to secure the role, as he will be competing with a handful of other players for time at second base. The position battle at second base is crucial because it could determine the overall depth and flexibility of the Mets’ lineup, ultimately impacting their chances in a highly competitive National League.
Jeff McNeil: The Incumbent Struggles
Jeff McNeil has faced challenges since winning the batting title in 2022 and signing a lucrative four-year, $50 million extension ahead of the 2023 season. His performance dipped significantly in 2023, with a modest .270/.333/.378 slash line in 156 games, and he continued to struggle in 2024, posting a .692 OPS, the lowest of his career in a full season. However, McNeil showed promising signs of a comeback in the second half of 2024. From July 12 to September 6, when his regular season ended due to a wrist fracture from a hit-by-pitch, he hit an impressive .288/.373/.540 with a .912 OPS, seven home runs, 14 doubles, 23 RBIs, and 23 runs scored in just 44 games. This resurgence closely mirrors his earlier success with the Mets, where he was known for his high batting average and excellent on-base percentage. If McNeil can recapture this form—and the end of his 2024 campaign suggests he can—he could be a valuable asset to the team once again.
Luisangel Acuña: A Rising Star
Luisangel Acuña provided a much-needed jolt to the Mets late in the 2023 season when Francisco Lindor missed time with a back injury, a period when the team was vying for a playoff spot. Acuña’s impressive debut in September, where he hit .308/.325/.641 with a .966 OPS in 40 plate appearances, has earned him a serious look at second base during spring training. He also drew minimal walks and kept his strikeouts in check, striking out only six times. While it’s uncertain whether Acuña will be a starter or a bench player, his versatility and potential make him a strong candidate for a significant role. Acuña will also be getting some reps at third base, adding to his value. His performance in spring training will be crucial in determining his place on the roster and how he fits into the Mets’ plans for the 2025 season.
Brett Baty: Overcoming Adversity
Brett Baty, the Mets’ third-base prospect, is facing a tough challenge at second base after struggling in the majors over the past two seasons. After showing promise during his debut in 2022, Baty has slashed a meager .217/.285/.324 across 560 plate appearances in 158 games. He lost his third-base job to Mark Vientos early last season, and with Vientos now firmly established, Baty will be getting a serious look at second base this spring, a position he played in Triple-A Syracuse last year. This is Baty’s age-25 season, and despite his current struggles, the tools that made him a top prospect are still evident. He will need to put it together at the plate while also adapting to a new position, a dual challenge that could define his future with the team.
Other Contenders for Second Base
Ronny Mauricio, Nick Madrigal, and Jett Williams will also get a chance to compete for second base during spring training. Mauricio, still recovering from a torn ACL suffered during the winter after the 2023 season, is participating in fielding drills, running, and taking batting practice but is not expected to play in spring training games until mid-March. Consequently, he is likely headed to Triple-A to start the year. Madrigal, known for his defensive skills but light hitting, could have the inside track for a bench job and will be getting exposure at shortstop to serve as Francisco Lindor’s backup. Additionally, Madrigal can play both third base and second base, enhancing his utility. Jett Williams, the Mets’ No. 1 prospect, had his 2024 season derailed by a wrist injury but is expected to start the year in Triple-A. Williams’ potential is immense, and if he masters Triple-A, he could be called up to contribute to the big league team, adding another layer of depth and competition at second base.
Looking Forward: The Second Base Battle
The competition for the second base position during spring training is intense and could have far-reaching implications for the Mets’ roster. Jeff McNeil, the incumbent, has the most to prove after his lackluster performance in the past two seasons. However, his late-season surge in 2024 provides a glimmer of hope that he can return to his former excellence. Luisangel Acuña, with his powerful hitting and defensive versatility, represents a strong challenge. Brett Baty, despite his struggles, still possesses the tools to turn things around and make a case for regular playing time. Ronny Mauricio, Nick Madrigal, and Jett Williams add depth and competition, ensuring that the Mets have multiple options to consider. The outcome of this battle will be a key factor in determining the Mets’ lineup flexibility and overall depth, both of which will be crucial in their pursuit of a championship in the 2025 season.
