Juan Soto, the biggest storyline of the 2024-2025 offseason has made his decision, signing with one of the Atlanta Braves' biggest rivals, the Mets for a record-shattering $765 million and bringing the superstar back to the NL East. Thanks, we hate it.
This is a crushing blow for Atlanta, who certainly hoped the 26-year-old wunderkind would find his way back to the American League. It is also a massive upgrade for the Mets, who primarily relied on Starling Marte in right field for the 2024 season.
However, even after making this huge splash, the Braves aren't in a position to fear the Mets lineup.
BREAKING: Superstar outfielder Juan Soto and the New York Mets are in agreement on a 15-year, $765 million contract, sources tell ESPN. It is the largest deal in professional sports history.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 9, 2024
Juan Soto moves the needle, but the Mets still have work to do to pass the Braves
It's hard to deny Juan Soto's prowess. At just 26, the right fielder is already a four-time All-Star, a five-time Silver Slugger, World Series champ, and a top-10 finisher in MVP voting five times. Soto has already accumulated 36.4 bWAR, which is more than former Braves like Andres Galarraga, Joe Adcock, Justin Upton, Ron Gant, and Brian McCann (to name just a few) had for their entire careers.
Simply put, Soto is a generational talent and it would be foolish to believe otherwise. The Mets, who made it to the NLCS this past season, also have NL MVP runner-up Francisco Lindor manning shortstop for New York's National League team for the next seven seasons.
The New York Mets are very talented, however, even after adding Soto to their very good top of the lineup, the rest of the team's lineup, as currently constructed, has some holes.
The projected starting lineup for the New York Mets pic.twitter.com/QSWLNKs0oD
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) December 9, 2024
With Pete Alonso still a free agent, New York is currently projected to slot in 2024 postseason standout Mark Vientos to first base. This, however, opens up third base for Brett Baty, who struggled mightily at the big league level in 2024.
Additionally, the team is likely starting either Jose Siri and Tyrone Taylor in center, both whom are slightly below average bats, Jeff McNeil and his 97 wRC+ at second, and Starling Marte and his 104 wRC+ at DH.
Meanwhile, the Braves lineup, even with remnants of the injuries that decimated the 2024 squad still lingering through the start of 2025, have a very strong lineup. Marcell Ozuna, Austin Riley, Matt Olson are all expected to continue the excellence we've seen the past few seasons. Michael Harris is expected to break out, while Sean Murphy and Ozzie Albies are expected to rebound from disappointing and injury riddled seasons. And of course, Ronald Acuña Jr. will return after the first month.
Of course, the New York Mets are far from done this offseason. Steve Cohen is seemingly willing to throw endless amounts of cash towards free agents, but the Braves, even as things stand right now, are in good shape.
And Alex Anthopoulos still has moves he's looking to make.