Pete Alonso’s return has brought some stability to the Mets’ lineup, but does it make them a real threat in the National League? Not everyone is convinced—including one former Yankee.
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SI
Former Yankees catcher Erik Kratz isn’t buying into the Mets as a serious contender, even with Alonso locked in for the next two seasons. On Foul Territory, Kratz didn’t hesitate to call it how he sees it.
“I would say they’re still third in the NL East,” Kratz said. “I know (host Scott Braun) didn’t ask it, and maybe I’m going out of line here, but I still think they’re third. There’s too many ‘this could be good, this could be nice’ scenarios. Meanwhile, you look at the Braves and the Phillies and you’re like, ‘Pen it in. Pen it in.’ Best rotation… I still think they’re third. Am I off on that?”
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That’s hardly an endorsement for a team hoping to make a deep postseason run. Sure, Fangraphs’ 2025 projections give them an 87-75 record, making them one of baseball’s better teams on paper. But even that number has them finishing behind the Braves (93-69) and tied with the Phillies (87-75). So much for running New York.
The Mets might have locked up their best power hitter, but keeping Alonso wasn’t exactly a bargain. After weeks of negotiations, they agreed to a two-year, $54 million deal ($27 million AAV), as first reported by SNY’s Andy Martino. The contract also includes a $10 million signing bonus, per The New York Post’s Jon Heyman, with the first year set at $30 million and a $24 million player option for Year 2, according to The Athletic’s Will Sammon. It’s a solid payday for Alonso, but it doesn’t fix the glaring holes in the Mets’ roster.
No one doubts that Alonso has thrived under the bright lights of New York. Since debuting in 2019, he’s slugged 226 home runs—second-most in MLB over that span—while driving in 586 RBIs with a .249/.339/.514 slash line. He’s a fan favorite at Citi Field, but what does that mean in a division where the Mets still look like the third-best team at best?
Even Foul Territory host Scott Braun noted the concerns. “I actually think their roster is built better for the postseason, which was the case last year,” Braun said. “It’s not as complete. There’s question marks with the starting rotation. They actually have a much better farm system; it keeps improving… I mean (it’s) the kind of team that I actually think shouldn’t be done.”
But being “built for the postseason” only matters if you get there, and the Mets are far from a lock. While Yankees fans can appreciate the importance of locking down a franchise cornerstone, Alonso’s deal doesn’t instantly elevate the Mets to World Series status. Instead, they remain an expensive team with more questions than answers.
Interestingly, Alonso was once linked to the Yankees, but in December, insiders reported he was no longer on their radar. That left the Mets as his only real option, reinforcing the idea that their roster construction is still a work in progress.
Meanwhile, across town, the Yankees have assembled a powerhouse lineup that actually looks built to contend. The Bronx is ready to reclaim New York—while the Mets are still trying to prove they belong in the conversation.
Amanda Paula is a sports writer with a passion for American football and a keen interest in the NY Yankees. Raised among Americans in Brazil, Mandy's unique cultural background has greatly influenced her career and provided her with a diverse perspective on the world of sports.
Born and raised in Brazil, Amanda developed a deep appreciation for sports at a young age. Growing up in a community with a robust American presence, she was exposed to various sports, but baseball captivated her heart. Inspired by the passion and tactics of the game, Amanda dedicated herself to studying and understanding the intricacies of the sport.
Amanda's love for American sports and soccer led her to pursue a career in sports journalism. She obtained a degree in journalism from a prestigious university, where she honed her skills in writing and reporting. Her studies gave her a solid foundation in journalism ethics, research methodologies, and effective storytelling techniques.
After completing her education, Amanda embarked on her professional journey as a sports writer. Her unique background as a Brazilian immersed in American culture gave her a fresh perspective on American sports.
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