Bowden gives his analysis on teams off-season so far New York Mets Grade: A-minus Free agents: • RF Juan Soto, 15 years/$765 million • LHP Sean Manaea, 3 years/$75 million • RHP Clay Holmes, 3 years/$38 million • RHP Frankie Montas 2 years/$34 million • RHP Griffin Canning, 1 year/$4.25 million • RHP Dylan Covey 1 year/$850,000 Trades: • Acquired CF Jose Siri from Rays for RHP Eric Orze Key takeaways: The Mets outbid the Yankees to win the Soto sweepstakes, but in the end grossly overpaid, even for a generational player, because their owner could. However, Soto brings high energy, charisma and elite on-base skills. To get the most out of Soto's abilities, I think they must re-sign Pete Alonso or acquire another big bat to provide protection directly behind him in the lineup to prevent teams from intentionally walking him in key spots. President of baseball operations David Stearns again sought to build their rotation around shorter-term free-agent deals; I liked the moves despite the risk that comes with that type of strategy. Bringing back Manaea was the key and Montas was the best risk based on how he finished last season. Holmes, who will attempt to transition from reliever to starter, will probably end up back in the bullpen. Big question: Can they bring back Alonso to play first base and give Soto protection in their lineup? Season prediction: Third place Jim has the Phillies 1st ,Braves 2nd https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6049125/2025/01/10/mlb-offseason-grades-signing-trades-predictions?source=user-shared-articlehttps://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6049125/2025/01/10/mlb-offseason-grades-signing-trades-predictions?source=user-shared-article