Amazin' Daily Briefing: February 2nd, 2025

Are the Mets Poised to Take Over the NL East?

The New York Mets are at the center of more offseason buzz. With efforts to re-sign superstar slugger Pete Alonso and the possibility of acquiring ace Dylan Cease from the Padres, the Mets could be positioning themselves as the dominant force in the National League East.

For Mets fans, it’s a mix of excitement and anxiety. Could these bold moves turn the team into division favorites, or will they come at too high a cost? Let’s break it down.

The Pete Alonso Saga: A Deal on the Horizon?

The Mets have been working diligently to bring Pete Alonso back to Queens. As one of the league’s premier power hitters and the heart of the Mets' offense, Alonso’s return would be a massive boost. Reports suggest the market for his services is narrowing, with teams like the Blue Jays pulling back due to budget constraints and other potential suitors, such as the Reds, seeming like long shots.

If Alonso wants to stay in New York—and the Mets can meet his financial expectations with a creative contract—his return could be imminent. A re-signing would solidify an already formidable lineup featuring Francisco Lindor, Brandon Nimmo, and Juan Soto.

Dylan Cease: The Ace Up the Mets’ Sleeve?

While Alonso’s potential return dominates headlines, the rumor of Dylan Cease landing in New York could be the game-changer that vaults the Mets into serious contention. The Padres are reportedly open to dealing Cease, one of baseball’s best arms, and the Mets appear to be strong contenders to land him.

The key question: What would it take to acquire Cease? Early reports indicate that a deal would require a mix of MLB-ready talent and top-tier prospects. Luisangel Acuña has been floated as a centerpiece, given his high ceiling and versatility. Pairing him with Jose Butto—who has shown promise as a rotation or bullpen arm—along with a veteran piece like Starling Marte (with the Mets covering part of his salary) could make for an enticing offer.

If the Mets secure Cease, he would bring ace-level dominance to a rotation already featuring Kodai Senga and Sean Manaea. Suddenly, New York’s pitching staff would have the depth and firepower to compete with the best in the league.

How Do the Mets Stack Up Against the NL East?

The biggest question remains: If the Mets re-sign Alonso and land Cease, would they have the best team in the NL East?

Lineup Comparison

A Mets lineup with Alonso, Lindor, Nimmo, Soto and Vientos at the top, they would be one of the most balanced and dangerous in baseball. With this potential lineup for the Mets, the Phillies’ core of Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, and Kyle Schwarber would be outmatched.

The Braves’ powerhouse bats of Ronald Acuña Jr. (when he returns), Matt Olson, and Austin Riley complimented by Michael Harris, the addition of Profar and the always danger Marcel Ozuna gives the Braves the edge when it comes to have a deeper, more dangerous lineup.

Although, the top of the lineups for the three NL East favorites are at the top in baseball, the difference is ultimately going to be the production each team gets from the bottom half of their lineups. A more in-depth lineup comparison will be coming– subscribe to get access in the coming days.

Rotation Depth

Cease would give the Mets a top-tier rotation that would close the gap with the Phillies top rotation and potentially jump the Braves as the second best staff in the East. Chris Sale coming off an unexpected Cy-Young season and Spencer Strider still a questions mark when it comes to his health, the Mets would have the edge with the addition of Cease.

Although Kodai Senga is coming off an injury plagued season, he is reportedly healthy and ready to for opening day unlike Spencer Strider. Sean Manaea, Chris Sale 2.0, isn't up to Sale's level but is coming off of a season where he reinvented himself making him a reliable 2nd option. But with Cease leading the charge, the Mets would have the depth to compete deep into October and add the missing piece to their rotation.

Final Thoughts

On paper, bringing back Alonso and acquiring Cease could elevate the Mets from playoff hopefuls to legitimate Division and World Series contenders. While these moves would require a significant financial and trade commitment, the potential rewards could be monumental.

One thing is clear: the Mets aren’t standing still. If they pull off these deals, it won’t just be about competing—it’ll be about taking charge in the National League.

On This Day in Mets History

Born on This Date:

• 1950 – Dale Murray
• 1951 – Leo Foster
• 1958 – Pat Tabler
• 1968 – Scott Erickson
• 1972 – Melvin Mora
• 1983 – Jason Vargas, Ronny Cedeno
• 1984 – Chin-lung Hu
• 1993 – Adrian Houser

Died on This Date:

• 2022 – Bill Short

Notable Transactions:

• 2008: New York Mets traded Carlos Gomez, Philip Humber, Deolis Guerra, and Kevin Mulvey to the Minnesota Twins for Johan Santana.
• 2016: New York Mets sold Darrell Ceciliani to the Toronto Blue Jays.
• 2021: Tampa Bay Rays signed Hunter Strickland (formerly with the New York Mets) as a free agent.
• 2023: New York Mets signed free agent DJ Stewart from the Baltimore Orioles.

Random Player Spotlight

Brian McRae

Born: August 27, 1967 Bradenton, Fla.

Years with Mets: 1997 - 1999
300 games. 34 HR, 130 RBIs, .249 avg, 137 Runs, 25 SB

Also played for:

• Kansas City Royals 1990 - 1994; Chicago Cubs 1995 - 1997; Toronto Blue Jays 1999; Colorado Rockies 1999

Trivia Question of The Day:

In 1960, the New York Mets were awarded a spot in the National League as part of the league's expansion for the 1962 season. Which other team was also voted in to join the National League that year?

Subscribe to leave comment with your answer. The answer will be posted in tomorrow's Amazin' Daily Briefing!

Trivia Answer (February 1st)

At just 17 years old, Bronx-born Ed Kranepool made his major league debut for the New York Mets on September 22, 1962. A key figure in Mets history, Kranepool spent his entire 18-year career (1962–1979) with the team, becoming a franchise icon. As a first baseman and outfielder, he played in 1,853 games, recording a .261 batting average with 1,418 hits, 118 home runs, and 614 RBIs. A member of the 1969 "Miracle Mets" World Series championship team, Kranepool remains one of the longest-tenured and most beloved players in Mets history.

Subscribe to leave comment with your answer. The answer will be posted in tomorrow's Amazin' Daily Briefing!