The New York Mets have made significant roster adjustments in the offseason, highlighted by the record-breaking 15-year, $765 million contract for Juan Soto. This historic deal is the largest in sports history and places Soto at the center of Mets' ambitions for the upcoming seasons. Additionally, the Mets secured slugger Pete Alonso with a two-year, $54 million deal and re-signed Sean Manaea for three years at $75 million, despite his injury status. One lesser-known yet impactful move was the signing of Clay Holmes, transitioning him from the Yankees' closer to a starter role, which has already shown promise this spring.

These strategic decisions aim to bolster the Mets' chances for a successful 2025 season, focusing not just on marquee names but also on optimizing their pitching rotation, particularly given the recent injuries in that area. Analysts are already buzzing about the potential of Holmes as a starting pitcher, a shift that could prove vital for the Mets in their quest for a championship. As the new season approaches, the spotlight will be on how these changes translate into on-field performance.

As auction drafts approach for the 2025 fantasy baseball season, savvy managers can find under-the-radar hitters with average auction values under $10 that enhance their rosters without breaking the bank. Targeting players like Michael Toglia, who demonstrated impressive power metrics with the Colorado Rockies, and Jurickson Profar, who thrived after joining the Atlanta Braves, can deliver solid returns. Brandon Nimmo remains a reliable option despite a dip in performance, while Kerry Carpenter is positioned to bounce back strongly after a breakthrough season. Eugenio Suarez also offers consistent power at a low cost, making these players must-haves for budget-conscious drafters.

First base in Major League Baseball is experiencing significant changes, with teams struggling to find consistent talent at the position. In 2024, first basemen recorded a batting average of just .246 and an OPS of .736, indicating a notable decline. This has prompted discussions about the evolving responsibilities of first basemen, with many players transitioning from other positions rather than being traditional towering sluggers. Current stars like Freddie Freeman and Pete Alonso represent the dwindling number of classic first basemen, raising questions about the future of the role.

The decline in production at first base can be attributed to several factors, including shifts in player development strategies and an increased emphasis on athleticism over size. Former players, including Keith Hernandez and Mark Teixeira, reflect on how the profile of a first baseman has changed, now favoring agility and defensive capabilities over the traditional power-hitting profile. The retirement of legends like Albert Pujols and Miguel Cabrera has left a gap that the league has not yet filled, suggesting a potential cyclical downturn in first base talent.