Juan Soto arrives, takes center stage at Mets camp
And could the Mets round out the winter with a sentimental addition?
What’s up with the Mets? 🍎
Juan Soto arrived in Port St. Lucie on Sunday and met with the media in a session that covered a variety of different topics (Watch on SNY)
Starling Marte told reporters the Mets have been very honest and transparent with him about attempting to trade him somewhere he could have a larger role (Watch on SNY)
The Mets could still trade Marte - they’ve made no assurances to him that he will be on the roster come opening day (Athletic)
Former first round catching prospect Kevin Parada has lost weight and is feeling more athletic heading into a critical season for him personally (MLB)
Francisco and Katia Lindor announced on Instagram they are expecting a baby boy
Spring workouts highlights - Sunday 🏋️♀️
Juan Soto’s first batting practice session of the spring was the highlight of camp on Sunday (SNY)
“You need a whole team to go all the way. You look around at the teams that win the World Series, it’s teams that have really good players, teams that have experience, youth. So I think it takes more than one guy, and when you see the Mets and the roster and what they have in the farm system, I think they have a chance to be in it for a long time. I think we have a really good chance to go all the way.”
~ Juan Soto
Could the Mets finish off their offseason with a sentimental addition? ✍️
The Mets are fresh off likely the most impactful offseason in their history, and with spring training in full swing, attention is fully focused on the season ahead.
New York kicks off its spring slate next Saturday with a date against Houston, and I’m sure I’m far from alone in looking forward to seeing this team play a real game.
Much to the chagrin of Jose Iglesias—though I’m with him, I don’t believe his Mets tenure is over until it’s over—the Amazins’ appear unlikely to make any Major League additions between now and opening day.
The other day Michael did an excellent deep dive on the very few roster competitions the Mets have, and it’s refreshing to think about where this team is now after what we’ve all been through in previous years.
When I think about the winter the Mets just had, I feel like they’ve checked essentially every box.
Signed a generational superstar? Check
Retained an organizational icon? Check
Brought back key contributors from last season’s magical run? Check, Check
Traded for an edgy player with an attitude reminiscent of ‘86? Check
Rounded out the pitching staff with high upside free-agent additions? Check, Check, Check
But there’s one last low-risk type move that I think would put this winter in an absolute league of his own when fans remember it years from now.
How about making one or two more sentimental additions that could come in via a minor league deal and potentially add some upside?
And I’m looking at two guys that fit the bill.
Noah Syndergaard and Jeurys Familia.
Syndergaard spent five years as a critical part of the Mets starting five before missing all of the 2020 season and most of ‘21 recovering from Tommy John surgery. He then bounced between four different organizations over the next two years, and didn’t pitch in the Majors a year ago.
He’s been throwing at Kova Sports in Texas, and at just 32 years old, he’s still very interested in earning an opportunity to resurrect his career. I really cannot come up with a bad reason for the Mets to see what he has left and if he could potentially help as even a bullpen depth option.
Familia, on the other hand, was a dominant closer for the Mets at his peak, and while it was nine years ago at this point, he still holds the Mets record for single-season saves. Similarly to Syndergaard, he bounced between several teams after leaving the Mets following the ‘21 campaign and did not pitch at all in ‘24.
He’s been working with Puerto Rican training Hector Berrios with an eye towards making a comeback in 2025, and he would certainly represent an intriguing addition to Mets camp even at 35 years old.
Now, do I think it’s likely either of these are avenues the Mets actually pursue? Probably not. But I wouldn’t be upset if either comes to fruition. This is shaping up to be one of the most fun Mets teams we’ve had potentially ever. Why not add a fan-favorite name from the past to the present?
Around the League 🚩
Noted Mets killer Paul DeJong is coming to the NL East, as he signed with the Nationals on Sunday (Nightengale)
Former Mets outfielder Tommy Pham is joining the Pirates (Official)
Veteran RHP Shelby Miller has signed a minor league deal with Arizona (FanSided)
Giancarlo Stanton is dealing with issues with both of his elbows that has him behind in camp (SNY)
Nothing wrong with kicking the tires on both pitchers. Would be nice if something can be worked out with Jose. A good guy to have around and a real good utility man. Soto is and should be center stage. As Reggie once was said to say, he is the straw that stirs the drink!
Syndergaard burned a lot of bridges with the fans on his way out of town, I doubt he would evoke the sentimental response you suggest if the Mets were to give him a minor league deal.