The Mets' 2025 Lineup Debate: Pete Alonso Batting Second?
With the 2025 MLB season approaching, Evan Roberts breaks down how the New York Mets should construct their lineup. From batting Pete Alonso second to ensuring Juan Soto gets the best opportunities, see why Roberts’ vision could make waves this season.
Spring training is finally here, and I couldn’t be more excited for the 2025 Mets season. One of the biggest questions heading into the year is how the Mets should structure their lineup now that Pete Alonso is back. Evan Roberts from the Rico Brogna Podcast has an interesting take—he thinks Alonso should bat second, right behind Francisco Lindor, with Juan Soto hitting third. It's an unconventional idea, but I can see why it’s worth considering.
Alonso in the Two-Hole?
At first, the idea of Pete Alonso batting second seems odd. Traditionally, you’d want someone with a high on-base percentage in that spot, which is exactly why many believe Juan Soto belongs there. But Roberts’ argument makes sense—Alonso has never really had elite protection behind him, and putting Soto right after him could force pitchers to throw him better pitches. If Alonso gets more fastballs to hit, his production could go through the roof.
Soto Hitting Third—The Right Move?
The typical analytics-driven approach says Soto should bat second, but there’s actually data to suggest he’s been even better as a third hitter. His slugging percentage and OPS are higher when he’s in the three-hole, so keeping him there might maximize his impact. If the numbers back it up, I it might a lineup structure worth trying.
Does This Help Alonso?
One of the biggest issues Alonso has faced is pitchers working around him, especially in key situations. If Soto is hitting behind him, that changes. Opposing teams won’t want to risk putting Alonso on base just to face a superstar like Soto. That could lead to Alonso getting more to hit and having his best offensive season yet.
Ideal Mets Lineup
If I had to put together a starting lineup, I think Roberts’ version is interesting, but I still believe Soto needs to bat second. It’s a must. Having both Lindor and Soto—two high on-base percentage guys—at the top of the order gives the Mets the best chance to set the table for Alonso. You want your best hitters getting the most at-bats, and putting Soto second maximizes his impact.
As for the 3-4-5 spots, Alonso and Vientos are both high-strikeout hitters, so keeping a lefty in between them makes sense. That’s why I’d have Nimmo hitting fourth—it keeps the lineup balanced as R-L-R and makes it tougher for opposing teams to use their bullpen matchups effectively. You could argue flipping Nimmo and Vientos, but I think this structure keeps the lineup flowing best.
- Francisco Lindor – SS
- Juan Soto – RF
- Pete Alonso – 1B
- Brandon Nimmo – LF
- Mark Vientos – 3B
- Jeff McNeil – 2B
- Francisco Alvarez – C
- Jesse Winker / Starling Marte – DH
- Jose Siri / Tyrone Taylor – CF
Final Thoughts
This structure gives the Mets the best combination of getting runners on base early and maintaining a balanced attack throughout the order. Alonso finally gets the protection he needs, and Soto gets to do what he does best—get on base and mash. The bottom line? No matter how the Mets configure their lineup, this offense is going to be a problem for opposing pitchers all season long.