The best realistic NY Mets starting lineup they can put together after signing Juan Soto

Juan Jose Soto Pacheco. Get used to saying it, New York Mets. He’s one of us now. The record-breaking deal will have him suiting up for the Mets starting next season. What about the rest of the squad? 

The Mets remain a team in need of some additional help in multiple places. What’s the best and realistic starting lineup they can put together for the 2025 season?

The best lineup the Mets can summon for 2025 while staying realistic

Here’s a realistic look at what the Mets lineup could look like when the season opens if the team is willing to put the best team together without going too nuts:

1) Francisco Lindor, SS
2) Juan Soto, RF
3) Mark Vientos, 3B
4) Pete Alonso, 1B
5) Brandon Nimmo, LF
6) Starling Marte, DH
7) Jeff McNeil, 2B
8) Tyrone Taylor/Jose Siri, CF
9) Francisco Alvarez, C

It’s a near repeat of last year with the major difference being the addition of Soto batting second. The Mets would need multiple moves to actually open up any starting spots with the lone exception of first base. Currently wide open, re-signing Pete Alonso remains a must for the absolute best starting lineup.

It’s not perfect, however. Starling Marte’s lack of power and decreasing abilities elsewhere make him an unideal fit as an everyday DH. It’s hard to fathom the Mets simply dump him and pay the veteran to play elsewhere when they already have so much other money wrapped up. The moment they trade him is the second before he challenges for a .300 batting average. At best, we can hope he is a productive platoon player. An early season promotion for Drew Gilbert can help there with the youngster getting some playing time in the outfield and the DH spot going to Soto or Brandon Nimmo to help keep them fresh.

The Mets are in a great spot with their lineup already. It’s now just a matter of bringing back Alonso, adding a really good starting pitcher, and building a bullpen. The possibility of trades remains even with players such as Marte, Jeff McNeil, and more than likely Brett Baty. We should see a Mets team with multiple spots looking more like platoons than anything else.