For Atlanta Braves fans, there has been one consistently entertaining piece of an otherwise quiet start to the 2025 offseason. And that's watching the hated New York Mets slowly break up a failed roster, making Atlanta fans feel a lot better about their situation. The Mets' implosion started with star first baseman Pete Alonso opting out of his contract and re-entering free agency. It seems that even Alonso has had enough of the Mets' underachieving and inability to take advantage of having the league's second-highest payroll in the 2025 season.
New York had a $342.3 million payroll in 2025, only behind the Los Angeles Dodgers, and still, they failed to make the postseason. The Mets spent over $120 more than the Braves a season ago and managed all of seven more wins for their troubles. This obviously signaled a reset that started with Alonso and hasn't slowed down early in the offseason.
That's without mentioning that Jeff McNeil is reportedly being shopped, with the infielder's salary not matching his performance over the past two seasons. Now, trading away outfielder Brandon Nimmo clearly reeks of desperation for a franchise that will forever remain in the shadow of the city's superior franchise.
Braves Fans Can't Help but Enjoy Watching New York Mets Continue to Dismantle Failing Roster
Building on this is the fact that star closer Edwin Diaz turned down New York's qualifying offer and is slated to hit free agency at the end of the year, along with a number of key pieces. The Braves likely aren't shedding too many tears as the Mets prove that money can't buy happiness or a winning baseball club.
While Juan Soto remains an undeniable attraction, it won't amount to much when the bottom of New York's lineup is weak, and the bullpen cannot get clutch outs. Add in the fact that the bottom of the rotation has question marks, and there is every reason to believe that the Braves are going to be the likelier contender in the 2025 season.
The depth on the Braves roster is stronger and doesn't have the top-heavy concerns that continue to limit what the Mets can do. Atlanta is in a stronger position and has every reason to enjoy New York's continued lack of ability to build a contending roster.
It wouldn't be a surprise to see this trend continue with the Mets likely overpaying to keep Diaz and scrambling to replace franchise players that are being traded or walking away. New York's implosion is a welcome side story for Atlanta fans, who can't wait to see how much the Braves will improve compared to the Mets this winter.