The Mets advanced to the NLCS, then added a generational slugger in Juan Soto to the heart of their lineup. But that doesn’t mean they’re World Series-bound. Plenty broke right for the Mets during their magical run last season, while key contributors including Luis Severino, Jose Quintana and th e hit-making Jose Iglesias have since moved on to new teams. The National League is a gauntlet, starting with the defending World Series champion Dodgers and their projected competitive-balance-tax payroll of $399.7 million, according to Cot’s Contracts. The Mets share a division with the similarly potent Phillies and Braves. Still, there’s no denying the Mets look better on paper. The addition of Soto and the re-signings of Pete Alonso and Sean Manaea mean the Mets won’t sneak up on anyone this year. For the Mets to meet their sky-high expectations, they will need contributions beyond their superstars. Here are the Mets’ biggest X-factors in 2025: KODAI SENGA Spring training got off to a rough start when Manaea (oblique strain) and newly signed Frankie Montas (right lat strain) suffered injuries that will keep them off of the Opening Day roster. Their absences compounded concerns around a starting rotation that already had question marks. But a strong spring by Senga has been perhaps the biggest positive at Mets camp. Senga made only one start for the Mets last regular season due to shoulder and calf strains. He returned for the playoffs on a pitch count but was clearly not himself. The Japanese right-hander, 32, pitched to a 2.98 ERA and 202 strikeouts over 166.1 innings as an All-Star rookie in 2023. A healthy season from Senga would shore up the Mets’ staff and give them a top-of-the-rotation starter who can be a weapon in the playoffs. CLAY HOLMES The Mets made one of the most intriguing additions of the offseason when they signed the former Yankees closer to turn him into a starter. But even the most optimistic of Mets fans likely didn’t expect Holmes to deliver such a dominant spring. The right-hander boasts a 0.93 ERA with 23 strikeouts over 19.1 innings, prompting the Mets to name him their Opening Day starter. Holmes relied on a power sinker and slider with the Yankees and has since added a changeup to his arsenal. “The changeup is something I knew I could throw,” Holmes said in January. “It started probably halfway through [last] year. Me and a couple of guys in the bullpen were messing around with grips, and I was throwing it on the track, and I was like, this actually could be a decent pitch.” Holmes, 31, still has hurdles to clear as he navigates a starter’s workload and consistently faces hitters more than once a game. But if he can make a successful transition, the Mets’ rotation could become a strength. MARK VIENTOS The top of the Mets’ order is dangerous. The Mets have deployed a lineup this spring featuring Francisco Lindor, Soto and Alonso in the first three spots. All three are four-time All-Stars who each give pitchers a different look. But what would really take the Mets’ offense to another stratosphere would be the continued ascension of Vientos, who has regularly batted cleanup during camp. The 25-year-old did not make the Opening Day roster last year, but he finished the regular season with 27 home runs with an .837 OPS in 454 at-bats. By the postseason, Vientos was one of the Mets’ most feared hitters. The Mets are counting on Vientos’ right-handed power bat to lengthen their lineup and protect the top of the order. If Vientos puts up even bigger numbers in his fourth season, the Mets’ lineup should be among MLB’s very best. AJ MINTER The Mets’ bullpen was a work-in-progress throughout 2024, from season-ending injuries to Drew Smith and Brooks Raley to the emergences of José Buttó and Dedniel Núñez. But the one constant for the Mets’ relief corps was the lack of a reliable left-handed option. Enter Minter. The Mets signed Minter this offseason to a two-year, $22 million contract with an opt-out. In eight seasons, all with Atlanta, Minter had a 3.28 ERA, a 1.196 WHIP and a rate of 10.9 strikeouts per nine innings. He has limited left-handed hitters to a .221 average over his career. “He’s a guy that brings a bunch of experience, especially being left-handed,” manager Carlos Mendoza said in January. “A bunch of playoff experience. High-leverage guy. Can get lefties and righties out, so he’s huge for our bullpen.” After undergoing season-ending left hip surgery in August, Minter has eased back into action this spring. He made his debut last week, hurling a scoreless frame against the Cardinals. If he returns to his pre-injury form, Minter should help form a dominant bridge to closer Edwin Diaz. ...read more read less