The New York Mets started off their major league season playing against the Houston Astros, losing 1-3 at Minute Maid Park. The Mets had an eventful offseason by landing former Yankees player and generational talent Juan Soto and agreeing to a 15-year, $765,000,000 contract with the 26-year-old Dominican-born player in the winter. Soto’s natural-born talent and skill at the plate has rewaded him with the largest contract in MLB history. Soto had an opportunity in the 9th inning to be a hero but struckout unable to the bring the runners in in his first game as a Met.

The New York Mets won the bidding war against the cross-town rivals, New York Yankees, and other big-name teams like the Boston Red Sox. Juan Soto is expected to bring his keen vision, patience, and power at the plate to Queens, sliding into a lineup with other big names such as SS Francisco Lindor and 1st baseman Pete Alonso, who agreed to an extension with the Mets in the offseason.

Soto registered 1 hit against the Astros, along with Francisco Lindor, whose 1 RBI provided the Mets their only run in the afternoon. Brandon Nimmo, Pete Alonso, and Starling Marte registered 1 hit each, also getting on base but were unable to score on several opportunities. Houston Astros pitcher Framber Valdez was masterful against the Mets lineup, lasting 7 innings, giving up 4 hits, 4 strikeouts, and 2 walks. Newly signed Clay Holmes and former Yankees closer got the ball on opening day but pitched measly 4.2 innings, walking 4 batters, striking out 4, allowing 3 runs, 2 earned runs were his, and 5 hits. Clay Holmes was unable to find the strike zone Thursday, falling behind early in the count.

The Mets begin their season with a battered starting rotation after losing Kodai Senga to multiple injuries, like the left calf strain sustained in July of the 2024 MLB season. The New York Mets announced Senga will be on a pitch limit to begin the 2025 season. The 32-year-old right-hander has been working hard to build up his arm strength after several setbacks. Although no longer considered the ace of the rotation, Senga is “on a mission” to begin the 2025 season providing focus and relentless competitiveness. Juan Soto and the Mets will look to get their first win on Friday in game 2 of the series against Houston.