Mets manager Carlos Mendoza spoke ahead of Friday's highly-anticipated home opener against the Blue Jays.
Here are the most important notes...
Juan Soto ready for a new Big Apple ovation
At long last, Juan Soto will hear his name introduced at Citi Field, nearly four months after signing a record-breaking $765 million contract to play in Queens. The ovations he received in Port St. Lucie throughout spring training came first, but the reception from a home crowd with nearly six times more fans will be unrivaled.
Soto's first road trip with the Mets was average, considering his superstar standards. The slugging outfielder hit .238 in 27 plate appearances, but collected his first home run and double while also walking six times.
It's safe to assume that Soto will enjoy the home cooking, even while getting settled into his new digs in a new borough. The 26-year-old has thrived at Citi Field in his career, slashing a laudable .333/.466/.709 with 12 homers, six doubles, and 26 RBI in 35 games. Mendoza realizes what Friday means to Soto and the fans.
"It's special, especially after the offseason and all the rumors," Mendoza said. "'Where is he going to go? Finally, he's a Met.' Getting to play in front of the home fanbase for the first time is going to feel real now, even though we're already six games into it. Coming home and getting that ovation today is going to be pretty special, and I'm sure the fans can't wait."
Citi FIeld should also give Pete Alonso a warm welcome. After months of stalled free-agent negotiations between the Mets and veteran slugger, there were moments when a reunion seemed doubtful.
But through six games, Alonso appears eager to live up to the two-year, $54 million prove-it contract he signed in mid-February. With a pair of clutch homers against the Marlins in Miami, he's delivered some swagger to a Mets lineup that's still trying to find its groove.
The consensus is that Soto will hear the loudest ovation during warmups, but Alonso brought the team back home with some much-needed momentum. Regardless, the incessant cheers won't only belong to them.
"The good thing is we can say the same thing about a lot of the guys here," Mendoza said. "What's the ovation going to be for Lindor? What about Nimmo? What about Pete? Because we didn't know what was going to happen and it happened late. The way he's been playing the past six games, the fact that he's back and what he means to this team and this fanbase. You can make a case for a lot of players here, and that's a good feeling."
The gates at Citi Field are officially open! pic.twitter.com/u6ex46CabP
— SNY (@SNYtv) April 4, 2025
Yes, there's no place like home
The Mets returned to the Big Apple on Thursday after completing a six-game road trip to begin the 2025 campaign, and when they take the field against the Blue Jays on Friday afternoon, they'll be vying for a ninth home-opening win since 2015.
Mendoza is plenty familiar with Opening Day atmospheres. Before taking over as Mets skipper in 2024, he spent six years in the Yankees' dugout as their bench coach. He's comfortable with heightened season expectations and raucous New York crowds, but the traditional pregame introductions and ...
