Maybe not everyone expected that statement! The New York Mets’ catcher, Francisco Alvarez, is set to become a crucial addition to the Mets offense for the 2025 season. Seems like the team is confident in facing off the league with a pretty stern lineup, especially with their offseason win over Juan Soto.

And this order feels better than the LA Dodgers, at least that’s what Alvarez is considering! Think that’s true?

Not just Soto, NYM also retained their key batter position with Pete Alonso which definitely gives them an edge. So, even though New York and Los Angeles fought each other in the 2024 NLCS where the Mets had to DODGE the games at 46-20, Francisco Alvarez didn’t hesitate to make his bold remarks! 

On February 13, MLB insider Jon Heyman shared what Alvarez stated: “I think we are better than the Dodgers.” The rivalry between the Mets and Dodgers is not something unknown. But now, this comment is infuriating fans as it conveyed some overconfidence on his part. But he is not the only one to think like this!

Mark Vientos tagged along with his teammate’s sentiment and answered some reporters, “I can agree with that, honestly.” He had shared his belief in David Stearns and Steve Cohen to “put together a pretty good lineup.” Well, Manager Carlos Mendoza reportedly has a “pretty good idea” of how he would arrange their batting order. And that has created some expectations.

Soto, Alonso, Vientos, Francisco Lindor, and Brandon Nimmo could come at the top five of the order, balancing the left and right for the team. The bottom of the lineup could combine contact, power, and speed. But will that be enough?

The Los Angeles Dodgers have a better history of success—eight titles with seven coming on the West Coast, compared to two for the Mets—and they even have a lot of homegrown talents. The Dodgers have hit more home runs than the Mets. And we know who you are thinking of – Shohei Ohtani – a two-way beast! But, the Mets are not all empty there – they have pitcher Sean Manaea, who went 2-0 with a 2.65 ERA and 17 strikeouts in his 17 innings in 2024, striking out Ohtani two times. And also one of their top homers Starling Marte.

No doubt, both the teams have been quite active this offseason, but did Alvarez made these comments depending just on other players? 

Francisco Alvarez promises his Mets fans to make a great comeback

Amid the controversy surrounding his statement, it cannot be ignored that Francisco Alvarez had a rather disappointing 2024 season, where he had a .237 average, 47 RBIs, .710 OPS, and only 11 home runs. Alvarez’s power was lacking, and the ligament tear in his thumb even led to unavailability.

However, he is keen to make a comeback as he claims to be coming out his “best offseason” so far. He is working on certain posture changes, too. Like? Taking his bat off his shoulder. Reducing his leg kick. Well, ultimately, he might be able to prove his point while playing against the Dodgers.

Alvarez would also like to be selective in his shot selections while hitting and maintain more plate discipline, which could help him get better numbers and improve his slugging ability. In addition, his defense has already gotten better, which could allow him to align with the pitchers perfectly in the upcoming games.

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Now, that we are past the Super Bowl, the Mets are gearing up for their Port St. Lucie time. With 66 players in the spring training roster and position players beginning their batting practice early, they are showing all the potential. Now, it’s just a matter of time to see if Alvarez was right or not! No matter what, the thrill will be stayin’ alive!

But let’s hear it from you as well! Are the Mets really better than the Dodgers this time?