With spring training underway, the New York Mets are already making bold claims about their offensive firepower, and catcher Francisco Álvarez has led the charge by declaring that his team boasts a superior lineup compared to the reigning World Series champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Álvarez made headlines when speaking to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, stating confidently: “I think we are better than the Dodgers (lineup).” This assertion comes despite the Dodgers defeating the Mets in the National League Championship Series last season before going on to secure another World Series title.
The young backstop had previously expressed confidence in the Mets’ revamped roster, which now includes superstar slugger Juan Soto, who signed in free agency, and the re-signing of power-hitting first baseman Pete Alonso.
“I think it’s going to be a great lineup,” Álvarez told SNY’s Ben Krimmel. “I think we have the best lineup in all of baseball. We have Pete [Alonso], we have a little bit of everything… we have contact hitters, power hitters. We have everything. We can compete with any team.”
Álvarez’s optimism was quickly echoed by his teammate, third baseman Mark Vientos, who backed him up when speaking with SNY: “I can agree with that, honestly. I think Steve [Cohen] and David [Stearns] put together a pretty good lineup.”
On paper, the Mets’ projected top three hitters—Francisco Lindor, Juan Soto, and Pete Alonso—form a formidable trio. Adding Brandon Nimmo, Mark Vientos, and Jesse Winker to the mix gives them a blend of power, speed, and on-base ability. However, how does this compare to the star-studded Dodgers lineup?
Los Angeles counters with an offensive juggernaut led by three MVPs: Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman. In 2024, the Dodgers dominated statistically, leading MLB with a .781 OPS and ranking third in home runs with 233.
According to FanGraphs’ Roster Resource, the middle of the Mets’ lineup will likely feature Brandon Nimmo, Mark Vientos, and Jesse Winker, while the Dodgers boast Teoscar Hernández, Max Muncy, and Will Smith. Hernández’s elite power gives the Dodgers an advantage, while Muncy and Smith have proven their ability to deliver in high-pressure situations.
To round out their batting orders, Los Angeles will rely on Michael Conforto, Tommy Edman, and Ha-Seong Kim—players with solid upside but not the same firepower as their top-six hitters. The Mets counter with Álvarez, Jeff McNeil, and José Siri, a group with strong defensive capabilities but less offensive consistency.
Ultimately, while the Mets’ young core has immense potential, the Dodgers’ established lineup still holds the edge as the 2025 season approaches. However, if New York’s offseason acquisitions and player development translate into on-field success, the debate between these two powerhouses could heat up throughout the year.
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