Mets Surge to the Top: A New Power Rises in the NL East

The New York Mets have opened the 2025 season with remarkable momentum, capturing attention across Major League Baseball (MLB) by posting a 17-7 record—good enough for first place in the National League East as of April 22. Once viewed as potential dark horses, the Mets now demand recognition as true contenders in their division.

Despite early expectations that the division would be dominated by the Atlanta Braves or Philadelphia Phillies, the Mets have reeled off two separate six-game winning streaks and have gone 11-1 at home to start the year. They’ve managed multiple series victories, including impressive performances against divisional rival Philadelphia, establishing themselves as a serious threat in the postseason race.

Much of the Mets’ success can be attributed to their unexpectedly dominant pitching staff. The rotation, headlined by Griffin Canning, Kodai Senga, Tylor Megill, and David Peterson, collectively owns an MLB-best 2.37 ERA. Critics predicted a vulnerability in the Mets' pitching entering the season, particularly due to injuries or departures such as Frankie Montas or Shawn Manaea. However, the staff's performance has significantly exceeded expectations.

According to team metrics, the Mets have allowed only 25 earned runs across their first 12 home games—something not achieved since 1986, the year they won the World Series. Their ability to prevent home runs (just 10 allowed so far compared to a league average of 16) also sets them apart as a pitching force to reckon with.

The Mets’ offensive production has not reached its ceiling—yet. While Pete Alonso and Francisco Lindor are off to excellent starts, other key players such as Juan Soto (.757 OPS), Mark Vientos (.591 OPS), and Brandon Nimmo (.628 OPS) are expected to contribute more as the season progresses. Reinforcements are also on the way, with Francisco Álvarez and Jeff McNeil completing rehab assignments and nearing returns.

Lindor, in particular, continues to cement his status as one of the league’s top shortstops. Since June 1, 2024, he has posted an OPS of 0.913 with 29 home runs and 23 stolen bases across 117 games, along with a weighted Runs Created Plus (wRC+) of 155, placing him well above league average.

Success for the Mets this season has come not just from star power but also from roster flexibility and player development. The infield defense has shown immense improvement, thanks in large part to Lindor's leadership. Players like Mark Vientos and Brett Baty have elevated their defensive games, contributing to the team's well-rounded performance.

Perhaps most impressively, Luisangel Acuña has become a key contributor, both defensively and offensively. His ability to hold down second base has prompted discussions about Jeff McNeil playing more outfield upon his return, enabling the Mets to optimize both their defense and lineup depth. With the versatility and athleticism of players like Tyrone Taylor and José Azocar, the Mets are better equipped to handle the grind of a long season.

Since June 1, 2024, the Mets' record stands at an astonishing 82-47—the best mark in baseball over that stretch. For comparison, the Phillies are 68-60, and the Braves sit at 66-64 during the same period, crafting a clear narrative that the Mets have successfully carried their late-2023 resurgence into the new season.

With David Stearns leading baseball operations and a front office that has effectively restructured the pitching staff and lineup construction, the Mets appear poised to maintain their momentum even as challenges inevitably arise over the next several months.

The New York Mets are not only contending—they are excelling in ways few could have confidently predicted. Their balanced success across pitching and emerging offensive capabilities lays the groundwork for a season that fans and analysts alike should monitor closely. If the season's early trends continue, the conversation will soon shift from whether they’ll make the playoffs to whether they can capture another NL East title. With focus, health, and continued execution, the 2025 Mets have the ingredients for something truly special brewing at Citi Field.

On This Day in Mets History