BREAKING: Mets’ Francisco Álvarez Fires Off 9-Word Warning to Dodgers, Rest of MLB

The New York Mets exceeded expectations in 2024, coming just two wins short of a World Series appearance. Now, with the addition of star outfielder Juan Soto on a record-breaking $765 million contract, catcher Francisco Álvarez is optimistic about the team’s prospects for 2025. As Mets pitchers and catchers reported to spring training in Port St. Lucie on Monday, Álvarez expressed his personal goal of winning a championship. He also issued a bold statement to the Los Angeles Dodgers and the rest of MLB, declaring, “I think we are the best lineup in baseball.”

Despite Álvarez’s confidence, Baseball Prospectus’ PECOTA projections favor the Dodgers, giving them a 20.3% chance of winning back-to-back World Series titles. In the NL East, the Mets will contend with the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies, but PECOTA sees them as strong playoff contenders, projecting a 91-win season and an 88.0% chance of making the postseason. While they are expected to finish behind the Braves, the Mets are still viewed as a serious competitor. Álvarez, who turned 23 in November, aims to take a step forward offensively after posting 25 home runs, 63 RBI, and a .721 OPS in 2023, followed by 11 homers, 47 RBI, and a .710 OPS in fewer at-bats during 2024.