Mets Opening Day Lineup Projection, Payroll After Re-Signing Pete Alonso
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Drew VonScio is a Newsweek contributor based in Pittsburgh, PA. His focus is on MLB content. Drew has been with Newsweek since December 2024 and also works full-time at WTOV, a TV station in Steubenville, Ohio. He is a 2023 graduate of Bethany College (WV) and a 2024 graduate of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. You can get in touch with Drew by emailing d.vonScio@newsweek.com.
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The rich get richer in New York, and it's championship or bust for Mets owner Steve Cohen.
After months of drama and negotiations, the team has brought back Pete Alonso on a two-year, $54 million deal with an opt out after the 2025 season. He is set to make $30 million this year.
Signing or trading for at least one corner infielder was always going to be a priority heading into spring training.
With Alonso back in Queens, here is what the Mets Opening Day lineup could look like on March 27 against the Houston Astros.
1. SS Francisco Lindor
2. RF Juan Soto
3. 1B Pete Alonso
4. DH Jesse Winkler
5. 3B Mark Vientos
6. LF Brandon Nimmo
7. 2B Jeff McNeil
8. C Francisco Alvarez
9. CF Jose Siri
While this may not be exact, the top six in the order could realistically be moved around to fit wherever necessary. This is a team that will have a lot of versatility with guys who can produce anywhere in the lineup. In fact, the only guaranteed spot may be Jose Siri down at the bottom of the order.
Realistically, the Mets may be done with free agent signings. However, they could choose to bring in Kevin Pillar or Michael A. Taylor on a one-year deal to help bolster the roster defensively.
After signing Alonso, the Mets are set to have the highest payroll in baseball at just under $302 million in 2025. Their payroll is higher than the bottom five teams combined but just about $2.5 million more than the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The team's taxable payroll jumps up to $320 million with the luxury tax for 2025 set at $241 million. This means the Mets will owe $79 million in penalty fees -- a number higher than the bottom six payrolls in Major League Baseball.
More MLB: Blue Jays Could Pivot to $70 Million Infielder After Pete Alonso Returns to Mets
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