Juan Soto shocked the baseball world by leaving the New York Yankees and signing a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets. Mets fans erupted with excitement over the blockbuster deal, and his new teammate Pete Alonso is just as eager to welcome the Dominican slugger.
In an interview with Foul Territory, Pete Alonso discussed Soto’s impact, emphasizing how facing him for six seasons deepened his appreciation for the slugger’s talent.
“Adding Juan is huge because playing against him for the past six years, the dude’s a baller-we all know that. He’s a game-changing type player, and you’re tired of seeing him have that game-winning hit or making that big play in the field,” remarked Alonso.
“A game-changing type of player”
Pete Alonso is PUMPED to add Juan Soto to the @Mets lineup
pic.twitter.com/bsUUGldcRY
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) February 28, 2025
Alonso’s appreciation for Soto goes beyond a simple introduction to a new teammate. The Dominican star, a four-time All-Star and World Series champion, has consistently been one of the league’s most dangerous hitters. Teaming up with Alonso and shortstop Francisco Lindor, Soto’s addition could significantly boost the Mets’ chances of competing for the National League title.
Juan Soto debuted with the Nationals in 2018, while Alonso joined the Mets a year later in 2019. For five seasons, they competed as division rivals before Soto was traded to the Padres. Now, both sluggers—who have posted similar career power numbers, with Alonso tallying 226 home runs and 586 RBIs and Soto recording 201 home runs and 592 RBIs—will share the Mets’ lineup.
New York Mets core offensive lineup looking promising with Pete Alonso and Juan Soto
Soto remains one of the most formidable hitters in Major League Baseball. Since making his debut in 2018, the 26-year-old has consistently tormented pitchers, and his unwavering performance at the plate earned him the most lucrative contract in MLB history this offseason.
The Dominican superstar posted a .288 batting average last season, crushing 41 home runs with 109 RBIs and a .989 OPS. With a potentially stronger lineup featuring Alonso, Lindor, and Mark Vientos, it will be intriguing to see if he can elevate those numbers even further.
For the first time this spring, the Mets unveiled their core offensive lineup, featuring Lindor, Soto, Alonso, Brandon Nimmo, and Mark Vientos. If this group performs as the front office anticipates, opposing pitchers could be in for a rough time.
The Mets showcased their power in a commanding 7-0 shutout over the Washington Nationals on Friday afternoon at Clover Park in Port St. Lucie. The win brought them one step closer to an even record in Grapefruit League play, improving to 3-4.
The early signs? Impressive. The lineup produced five hits in 14 at-bats, bringing in six runs and driving in three. They also chipped in a double, a home run, and a walk. If this performance is a preview of what’s ahead, the Mets’ offense could be a major problem for opposing pitchers.
New York fans have plenty of reasons to be optimistic about their team’s potential in 2025.
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