As the 2025 MLB season unfolds, the New York Mets find themselves in a familiar position: trying to reconcile potential with performance. While stars like Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso continue to define the face of the franchise, it’s time to reconsider the importance of some other players whose roles may be undervalued, overhyped, or misunderstood. Here are three Mets whose contributions — or lack thereof — we need to rethink for the current season:
Once a key part of the Mets’ lineup due to his versatility and consistent contact hitting, Jeff McNeil is entering a critical stage in his career. After an underwhelming 2024 season, questions about his long-term value have grown louder. His batting average has dipped from his All-Star levels, and his defensive value has become less clear as younger, more athletic options emerge in the infield and outfield. While McNeil still brings leadership and energy, the Mets need to rethink whether he fits into their future plans or if his trade value could better serve the team in retooling efforts. With Brett Baty and Ronny Mauricio pushing for more playing time, McNeil might be more valuable as a trade piece than as a utility player.
Kodai Senga entered the Mets’ rotation with high expectations and, for stretches, has shown flashes of ace-level dominance. However, injury issues have clouded his long-term reliability. The Mets need to critically reassess how they build their rotation around him. Is he the dependable No. 1 starter to anchor the staff, or does his health necessitate more depth and insurance behind him? Given how heavily the team leaned on him in 2023 and 2024, the front office must determine whether Senga can handle that workload in 2025 or if his usage needs to be more strategic. A miscalculation here could derail the Mets’ postseason hopes.
Often overshadowed by bigger names in the Mets’ farm system, Mark Vientos is beginning to demand attention in 2025. His raw power has translated better at the major league level than many expected, and his improved plate discipline suggests he may have turned a corner. With questions surrounding the long-term futures of veterans like J.D. Martinez and Starling Marte, Vientos could be a cost-effective answer in the designated hitter or corner outfield role. Rethinking his importance means giving him more consistent at-bats and investing in his defensive development rather than viewing him as a fringe piece.
The 2025 Mets don’t just need star power — they need to get smarter about how they manage the middle tier of their roster. Re-evaluating players like Jeff McNeil, Kodai Senga, and Mark Vientos is essential for building a more sustainable path to success. Whether it’s making tough trade decisions, protecting arms, or giving breakout candidates real opportunities, these choices will define whether the Mets remain stuck in neutral or finally take the leap forward.
