Carlos Mendoza Gives First Spring Update: High Expectations for 2025 Team

Mets manager, Carlos Mendoza spoke with the media for the first time in spring 2025 from Clover Park in Port St. Lucie. With one day until the official report date of pitchers and catchers, he gave updates on players, where some of the positional competitions stand and briefed the media on the Mets offseason and what things look like coming into spring training 2025.

Re-Signing of Pete Alonso

The first question brought up Mendoza’s reaction to the official re-signing of Pete Alonso. Mendoza noted that Alonso is still going through the process of medicals and his physical, so couldn’t “officially” speak too much on the matter, but he said he was excited

“We know what he brings to the table,” Mendoza stated. “This is a guy that played every game for us last year. His personality, how much he wanted to be here. He enjoys this city, he enjoys our fanbase. He brings a lot to the table.”

Mendoza noted that it’s “huge” knowing that they can rely on Alonso to fill out the middle of the lineup.

On-Field Expectations

Along with re-signing Alonso, the Mets most notably also brought in Juan Soto. With that comes expectations from the fans on the kind of season the Mets should have. Mendoza said it ultimately starts in the clubhouse and what the players and staff believe themselves.

“Everything said outside this locker room, it does not matter,” Mendoza stated. “We know we’ve got a good team, but there’s a long ways to go. We have to be healthy, we have to stay healthy, we’ve got to play well,” he said.

Mendoza reiterated that the Mets have a good team and like what they’ve done in the offseason to bolster the lineup and the excitement that comes with that.

As far as the managerial expectations, Mendoza knows he must embrace those expectations. “What’s the alternative? I’m excited and we all feel that way.”

Kodai Senga in 2025

The Mets expect Kodai Senga to be ready to break camp this season. Senga finished his rehab during the offseason and then went through a “shut-down” period. Mets staff visited with his in Japan recently and the reports were good.

“We’ll see what he looks like,” said Mendoza. “We just have to see the intensity and how he’s going to bounce back… He’s ready to go.”

Senga addressed the press directly earlier Tuesday and said he’s “not worried at all” about his shoulder, which he injured last spring.

Bouncing Back from the 2024 Season

The Mets got off to a very rough start in 2024 but ended the season making a great run at the end of the season enough to make playoffs. Mendoza spoke on how after not starting the season great, that it was a fun end to the season. But ultimately the goal is to win a championship.

“It was fun last year, especially the way we started the year, but we just have to play baseball. We’re here to win a championship, that’s the goal,” he stated. He said the Mets just need to go out and play baseball and take care of the “little things.”

Brett Baty’s Role

Brett Baty is expected to take reps at both third base and second base this spring.

“We’re going to keep him in the dirt as much as possible,” he said. Mendoza noted that on Baty’s slower days or “off days,” he may also take reps in the outfield, but for now, it will mainly be reps at third and second for Baty.

“He’s a guy who’s willing to do whatever he has to do to make this club.” He’s willing to play multiple positions with a good attitude. “He’s got to go out there and be himself, and let the rest take care of itself,” said Mendoza.

Six-Man Rotation

Whether or not the Mets plan to have to a six-man rotation will depend on the health of Senga. But as long as everyone in the Mets’ planned rotation is healthy, they do plan to utilize a six-pitcher rotation.

In other pitcher news, Mendoza had some updates

• Jose Butto: The Mets are planning for Butto to be used as a multiple-inning reliever out of the bullpen. The Mets feel that this position, with a 40-45 pitch range is best for Butto.
• Tylor Megill: Mendoza stated that Megill is in the competition to be built up as a starter. “We saw some improvement last year, especially when he went down, and then he came up with a two-seam against righty’s,” he noted. “He’s coming into camp in the competition for a starting role.”
• Clay Holmes: Holmes is expected to throw live BP on Wednesday. The Mets feel good where he’s at. He showed up in Port St. Lucie the second week of January.

Injury Updates

• A.J. Minter – Recovering from hip surgery, he is scheduled to throw his first bullpen at the end of February. The goal is for him to be ready to break camp, but it depends on where he’s at then.
• Ronny Mauricio – He won’t appear in games until at least mid-March as he continues his rehab from knee issues. He is taking ground balls and BP, but the Mets don’t expect him to be in games early in camp.

Mets pitchers and catchers will report on Wednesday, February 12. That is the first day of open workouts. February 17 will be the first full squad workout and then the Mets open their 2025 spring training slate against the Houston Astros at Clover Park on February 22.

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