The Mets’ acquisition of Juan Soto reshapes their roster and affects their top prospects’ futures in the organization
New York: The Mets just made a huge splash by signing Juan Soto to the biggest contract ever in North American sports. This move is bound to shake things up for the team.
Bringing in Soto, one of the best hitters in the game at just 26, is a big win. With him, Francisco Lindor, and Brandon Nimmo all locked in, the Mets have a solid core.
However, the center field situation looks a bit shaky. Right now, it seems like Jose Siri and Tyrone Taylor will be sharing that spot. Not ideal, right?
Jeff McNeil is expected to hold down second base, but he needs to step up this season to keep his spot. The Mets are aiming to build on their recent success, especially after making it to the NLCS.
But here’s the kicker: with all these star players in place, there’s not much room for the promising prospects like Jett Williams, Drew Gilbert, Ronny Mauricio, and Luisangel Acuña.
These guys are hot commodities, with all four ranked among the top 100 prospects. Williams and Gilbert are projected to make their MLB debuts in 2025, while Mauricio and Acuña have already seen big-league action.
Williams and Acuña are versatile, having played multiple positions in the minors. Mauricio, who’s recovering from an ACL injury, is working hard to get back to form.
Gilbert’s situation is a bit tricky. He can play center field, but scouts think he might be better suited for a corner outfield position.
Prospects are valuable for two main reasons: they can either become key players on the roster or be traded to fill other needs. David Stearns has a tough job ahead, deciding which prospects to keep and which to trade.
Now, the big question is whether it’s time for Stearns to make a move. The Mets really need some stability in their starting rotation.
They’ve got some free-agent options like Corbin Burnes and Sean Manaea, plus potential trade targets like Luis Castillo and Dylan Cease. Teams might be interested in the Mets’ near-ready prospects.
During the Winter Meetings, the Mets tried to land Garrett Crochet, who ended up with the Red Sox. There are still some solid starters available for trade.
Williams had wrist surgery and only played 55 games this season. That might affect his trade value. If the Mets don’t see Gilbert as a long-term center fielder, he could be a trade piece.
Acuña might be a sell-high candidate. He didn’t have a standout season in Triple-A, but he made a splash in the big leagues and is doing well in winter ball.
As for Mauricio, he’ll need to prove he’s healthy before teams come calling. The Mets also have young talents like Brett Baty and Ryan Clifford, who are still finding their footing.
Signing Soto was a game-changer for the franchise. Now, Stearns has to figure out which prospects will be part of the team’s future and which ones could be used in trades.