You want answers?” Well, the New York Mets just gave you a few. Through three early-season games in Miami, they showed exactly who they are, and what they can be. And no, I’m not talking about outliers like the lack of production from the top two spots in the order. We all know it’s only a matter of time before those bats get going
“You want the truth?” It was right there on the field: decisions that paid off, roles taking shape, and a glimpse at what might define this team moving forward. It wasn’t perfect, and it won’t always be. But a series win is a series win, and in the process, three undeniable truths emerged. Whether you think you can handle it or not, it’s time to break them down.
1) Luisangel Acuna was the right call
The battle for the final bench spot was one of the biggest questions as spring training wrapped up, and the answer didn’t come until the night before Opening Day—Luisangel Acuña was heading to Houston with the big club. His versatility, speed, and flashes of potential late last season all factored into the decision. And in Miami, he wasted no time proving why he belonged, checking every one of those boxes in just three games.
Just before the Mets took the field for their first game in Miami, news broke that Francisco Lindor was welcoming his first son—leading to the rare sight of him not in the starting lineup (though he was suited up and ready on the bench). Enter Luisangel Acuña, who wasted no time making an impact, going 1-for-4 with a run scored in the team’s 10-4 blowout win. But the box score doesn’t tell the whole story. It was Acuña’s single that ignited their seven-run inning, and moments later, he was crossing the plate on Siri’s double, showing off the speed the Mets were counting on.
In Game 2, he kept it rolling, going 1-for-2 with another run scored while holding down second base. And when the series finale turned into a white-knuckle extra-innings battle, he was again, this time as the automatic runner on second, trusted to make something happen in a high-pressure moment. It’s clear David Stearns made the right call, and just as important, Carlos Mendoza isn’t hesitating to put Acuña in spots where he can make a difference.
2) Clay Holmes needs to get into a starter’s mindset
Making his second start of the season in the series finale, Clay Holmes battled through 4 2/3 innings before Carlos Mendoza turned things over to the bullpen. On paper, his numbers don’t scream frontline starter, three earned runs on 11 hits, six walks, and 10 strikeouts through 9 1/3 innings. But the box score doesn’t tell the full story. The defense behind him hasn’t exactly done him any favors, especially in Miami, where a misplayed ball in center by Taylor and an errant throw from Vientos made his outing tougher than it should have been. Factor in a few borderline calls that didn’t go his way, and his night easily could have looked a lot different.
It’s clear that this reliever-turned-starter still has some closer tendencies to shake. His stuff is nasty—he hasn’t allowed an extra-base hit all season—but not every at-bat needs to end in a strikeout. A first-pitch groundout to shortstop works just as well. Holmes led all of MLB last year with a 71.4% groundball rate, yet he’s still treating too many hitters like they’re in the ninth inning of a one-run game. If he wants to go deeper into starts, he’ll need to adjust. Attack the zone, trust the defense, and let that new arsenal work for you.
3) The Mets bullpen is good and Mendoza knows how to use it
What’s shaping up to be the backbone of this team, the Mets’ bullpen, opened the 2025 season by tossing 10 1/3 scoreless innings. With arms that can neutralize both lefties and righties, Carlos Mendoza has been pushing the right buttons, and his relievers have answered every call.
Aside from a few moments in the Miami series, they were lights out: Max Kranick, the feel-good story of spring training, gave the bullpen a breather with three scoreless (and hitless) innings in Game 2. Huascar Brazobán followed that up with 2 2/3 innings of one-hit, three-strikeout relief. José Butto delivered two clutch, scoreless frames late in game 3 of the series. And finally, Garrett and Díaz combined for 2 1/3 innings, navigating some traffic but doing their part to help secure the Mets’ series-clinching win.
AJ Minter had a rough outing in Game 3, but his track record says exactly where he’ll be by season’s end. And let’s not forget Dedniel Núñez, who put up elite numbers in 2024 and is working his way back in Triple-A. It’s only a matter of time before he’s with the club and making his presence felt. It’s early, but one thing is already clear—Mendoza has the pulse of this bullpen and knows exactly when to call their number.
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