Are the Mets Contenders After Landing Juan Soto? Harold Reynolds Weighs In
Baseball is back, and both the Yankees and Mets have made key offseason moves. Here’s a look at what to expect from New York’s teams in 2025
I know, I know… Harold Reynolds’ takes can be hit or miss, but with baseball season officially back, let’s break down what he had to say about the Mets’ and Yankees’ offseason moves.
The Mets made waves by acquiring Juan Soto, but is that enough to turn them into true contenders? Meanwhile, the Yankees have retooled their roster, but questions remain about their young core.
Mets Make a Splash With Juan Soto—But Is It Enough?
The Mets pulled off one of the biggest moves of the offseason, signing Juan Soto and keeping him away from the Yankees. The superstar slugger gives the Mets one of the most feared bats in baseball, but according to Reynolds, the team still has work to do if they want to compete with the Phillies and Dodgers.
Soto performs best when surrounded by elite hitters, and the Mets helped by re-signing Pete Alonso. However, there are still concerns about the rest of the lineup. Can Mark Vientos step up? Will Francisco Alvarez take the next leap in his development? If those pieces don’t produce, the Mets could still be missing a major power threat.
Reynolds also pointed out that pitching depth remains a concern. While Kodai Senga leads the rotation, the Mets will need consistency from their starters to truly be a force in the National League. Could Vladimir Guerrero Jr. be a future target to bolster their lineup?
Yankees Reload, But Is Volpe Ready?
While losing Soto stung, the Yankees wasted no time reshaping their roster. Cody Bellinger and Max Fried headline their new additions, giving them a more balanced squad. Plus, Devin Williams now anchors their bullpen, a move that could be key in October.
However, one of the biggest question marks remains Anthony Volpe. The former first-round pick has shown flashes of brilliance, but his batting average and strikeout rate are concerns. Reynolds believes 2025 is a make-or-break year for Volpe—if he doesn’t hit .270-.280, the Yankees may have to reconsider his long-term role.
Who Has the Edge in New York?
Both teams made major moves, but which team is in a better position? The Yankees improved across the board, adding pitching, defense, and power. Meanwhile, the Mets landed one of the best hitters in baseball, but they still need another big move to reach the level of the Dodgers and Phillies.
Final Prediction: Mets Need One More Piece
Reynolds sees the Yankees as a more complete team right now, but the Mets are one move away from serious contention. If they can add another power bat or a reliable starter, they could go toe-to-toe with the best teams in the National League.
What’s Your Take?
Are the Mets ready to make a deep playoff run, or do they need another blockbuster move? And will the Yankees regret letting Soto go? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!
