It is an illusion that something will be achieved immediately just by spending 1.1088 trillion won on Soto, and it is sixth in the ranking and urgent to reinforce the starting lineup. ESPN is the current situation

Dec 23, 2024

Juan Soto looks at the view of his home stadium City Field at the New York Mets joining ceremony on the 13th (Korea time). AP Yonhap News

New York Mets owner Steve Cohen speaks at the joining ceremony of Soto. EPA Yonhap News

It is a 'misconception' that just because the New York Mets added Juan Soto, dubbed '21st Century Ted Williams', to the power.

This is because Soto does not fill all the Mets' weaknesses. In particular, the Mets' starting lineup has weakened. This is because Sean Munnaia, Jose Kintana and Luis Severino, who have won more than 10 games and earned runs in the 3-point range this year, went on the FA market. Cereino transferred to the Oakland Athletics for three years and $67 million.

Local media believe the Mets are weaker than the World Series champion LA Dodgers, the Philadelphia Phillies, the AL's strongest New York Yankees, and even the San Diego Padres in the NL West.

ESPN reporter Buster Olney also placed the Mets in sixth place in the power analysis corner titled `The Current Top 10 Rankings in Major League Baseball' on the 21st (Korea Standard Time). The Mets recruit Soto and create an atmosphere that is likely to win the NL as well as the World Series right away, but in reality, it is enough to advance to the Division Series.

Journalist Olney said, `The Mets are considered the winner of this winter because they signed Soto on the highest contract in history. Soto mentioned the structure of the top batting line, saying coach Carlos Mendoza could be a perfect fit as Francisco Lindor's back hitter in the lineup. `Mark Vientos is likely to be the next hitter for Soto, but he will be able to make good use of his RBI opportunity.'

Lewis Severino from the New York Mets is smiling broadly wearing a hat at the joining ceremony of the Oakland Athletics on the 7th (Korea time). AP Yonhap News

Still, the Mets also have side effects on signing the most expensive player in Major League history in light of the current expected rotation,' he said. `Other teams are likely to add depth to their current pitching staff, as Mets President David Stearns has often done in the past. However, the criteria for success in the NL East will be very high. We need to improve on the current situation in the squad,' he said.

In other words, it is not easy to challenge for the championship with the current power. We need to get past the Philadelphia and Atlanta Braves in the East right now. The Mets, who entered the postseason as a wild card this season, are in a position to challenge the stronghold of the defending champion Philadelphia in the East Division next year.

Reporter Olney ranked the top 10 in the order of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Yankees, San Diego, Mets, Cleveland Guardians, Baltimore Orioles, Seattle Mariners, and Kansas City Royals. The Mets rank third in the NL East after Philadelphia and Atlanta.

In addition to Soto, the Mets have a loud power reinforcement this offseason. Through a trade, he brought in Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Jose Siri and signed FA starter Frankie Montas for two years and $34 million. Clay Holmes, a former Yankees bullpen, signed a three-year, $38 million contract and decided to use it as a starter, and hired Griffin Canning, a starting agent from the Los Angeles Angels, for a year and $4.25 million.

FA 피트 알론소. AFP Yonhap News

However, the Mets' offseason hunt is still ongoing. The Mets are considered as expected destinations for FA pitchers Corbin Burns, starters Jack Fleherty and Sean Munnaia, and third baseman Alex Bregman, and are also paying attention to renewing the contract for internal FA first baseman Pete Alonso.

The Mets spent $765 million on Soto for 15 years, the highest in global sports history. If Soto's opt-out rights are extinguished five years later, the total amount will increase to $805 million. However, the total amount is ' cash' not 'trauma'. This means that there is no suspension of payment. On top of that, family service-related benefits cost millions of dollars every year.

The gaze toward the Mets, who took Soto under these conditions, is not just beautiful.

jhno@sportschosun.com