☀️ Good Morning:
Every sequel starts with a few scenes where you are re-introduced to the main characters. Inevitably, one has moved on to something new and unexpected. Another is back in their hometown and needs to be convinced to try one more mission. A few new faces always emerge.
The 2025 Mets might be better called the 2024 Mets Part II.
Juan Soto becomes the new protagonist, a few actors are elsewhere, but most of the cast returns in hopes of repeating the magic that allowed Mets fans to fall in love with baseball again.
On Wednesday, we learned Ryne Stanek is returning on a one-year, $4.5 million deal that could pay him an additional $500,000 in incentives. The signing brings the Mets’ luxury-tax payroll exceedingly close to the $301 million where they would be taxed 110% for every additional dollar spent (they are already taxed 95%).
Stanek joins a bullpen that remains mostly in tact from last season, albeit with the addition of A.J. Minter.
David Stearns made the biggest splash of the offseason in signing Soto, but has mostly operating near the margins beyond that move, replacing Luis Severino and Jose Quintana with Frankie Montas and Clay Holmes, trading for Jose Siri, while bringing back Sean Manaea, Jesse Winker and Stanek.
We will see if one of the most talked about characters returns to the set in the coming weeks. But as of now, the 2025 Mets are looking like a sequel without him.
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🍎 Stan-ek and Deliver
The Mets acquired Ryne Stanek ahead of the trade deadline last summer. His arrival came on the heels of placing Dedniel Núñez on the IL with a right forearm strain.
It was a somewhat risky move at the time, as Stanek had been battling through back spasms that were clearly impacting his mechanics. He arrived in New York with a few dud performances, continuing a string of outings which he seemed lost on the mound. There was legitimate concern whether he would be able to figure things out in time to make a difference.
Fast forward to October and Stanek had become one of the most reliable arms out of the ‘pen. He was lights out in both wild-card appearances against Milwaukee; he was effective in two more outings against Philly; and he provided the Mets with 11 key outs in the NLCS against the Dodgers, including a seven-out performance in Game 5.
The 33-year-old, known for his signature long hair and blazing fastball, is a pedigree signing. He has proven himself in the clubhouse with this group, he has extensive postseason experience, and he has the stuff to continue to flummox hitters.
⚾️ THE 2025 BULLPEN is taking shape with Stanek hoping to offer a right-handed complement to Minter in a late-inning set-up role. We will have to see if Stanek’s postseason success carries over into this season when you would hope he is fully healthy.
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