The New York Mets landed Juan Soto in the offseason, making them an immediate World Series contender, right?
Not so fast.
At least, that’s the stance of the You Better You Bet crew.
“We saw what happened last year with the Yankees when you try and rely on Juan Soto to carry you to the promised land,” said board operator Jake Hasan. “It maybe gets you there, but it doesn’t get you over the finish line.”
And the Mets’ problems go beyond Soto. The season hasn’t even started, and they’re already dealing with injuries to their rotation—one of the biggest concerns for Hasan and company. Both Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas are expected to miss significant time to start the season, leaving a major hole in the pitching staff.
“Brandon Sproat, their top prospect, is really, really awesome, and Christian Scott might be back at some point in the next couple of months,” Hasan added. “Maybe they’re hoping one of these young guys fills the void until Manaea and/or Montas are ready, but I’m good on the Mets.
“At this price, it’s just not worth it.”
The Mets are currently listed at +1200 to win the World Series, the fifth-shortest odds behind the Dodgers (+240), Yankees (+800), Braves (+950), and Phillies (+1100).
“At this price? No way,” said Nick Kostos. “12-1 with this rotation? Not interested.”
Femi Abebefe agreed, pointing out that the betting market isn’t buying in either. The Mets’ win total is set at 90.5, but two of their biggest NL East rivals—the Phillies (90.5) and Braves (93.5)—are projected just as high or higher and have shorter odds to win the division.
“This feels like a Wild Card team,” Abebefe said. “Maybe people fall in love with them in September, and they could get hot in October, but I’d rather bet the win total under 90.5 right now.
“Maybe they get off to a slow start and we can buy back on the over at a different point, but I don’t think they’re going to get out to the great start that people are excited about with Juan Soto.”
Kostos echoed the sentiment, rattling off New York’s shaky rotation.
“This team is winning 91 games even with a good lineup?” he said. “I’m not so sure.”
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