Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Nick Castellanos has voiced his belief that New York Mets utility player Jose Iglesias deserved the National League MVP award over Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani for the 2024 season.

In a recent podcast with Chris Rose from Jomboy Media, Castellanos highlighted Iglesias's significant impact on the Mets, suggesting that his presence revitalized teammates and contributed to the team’s overall success.

Iglesias had an impressive season, boasting a .337 batting average and contributing significantly despite only playing in half the games. However, Castellanos's endorsement of Iglesias as MVP raises questions, particularly given Ohtani's historic season where he combined 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases, leading the Dodgers to a World Series win.

As the future of Pete Alonso with the New York Mets hangs in the balance, speculation arises regarding a potential move to the San Francisco Giants. Reports from Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle indicate that Alonso is being considered by the Giants, who are actively seeking to bolster their lineup after signing All-Star shortstop Willy Adames to a lengthy contract.

The Giants are in pursuit of a powerful hitter capable of delivering over 30 home runs, a feat not accomplished by any San Francisco player since Barry Bonds in 2004. Alonso, despite a subpar offensive season by his standards where he recorded a .240 batting average with 34 home runs and 88 RBIs, remains a significant asset. His performance last season marked the lowest in terms of home runs and RBIs for a full campaign, and his OPS fell to a career-low of .788.

Despite a dwindling market for Alonso due to several teams filling their first base needs, his addition could greatly enhance the Giants' lineup. This need is accentuated by the competitive landscape of the NL West, particularly with the Arizona Diamondbacks and Los Angeles Dodgers making strategic improvements to their pitching rotations.

On the Mets' side, there seems to be no urgency in re-signing Alonso, as they have alternative options to address their first base situation, including the possibility of moving Mark Vientos from third base. If Alonso does depart from Flushing, the Bay Area may very well be his next destination.

David Wright, former captain of the New York Mets, will be honored this summer with a dual ceremony that includes his induction into the team's hall of fame and the retirement of his jersey number, 5, on July 19. This event coincides with a game against the Cincinnati Reds at Citi Field.

Wright, who spent his entire 14-year Major League career with the Mets, is celebrated for his impressive stats and leadership, earning him the nickname 'Captain America.' His contributions to the team during challenging times solidified his legacy, making this recognition a significant moment in franchise history.

Juan Soto's signing with the New York Mets marks a significant investment, as the team secures the star player with a 15-year, $765 million deal. This move positions the Mets as a formidable contender, but they still have critical steps to take before the season starts.

To strengthen their roster, the Mets need to enhance their pitching rotation, potentially re-sign Pete Alonso or find a suitable replacement, and bolster their bullpen with more reliable arms. The upcoming MLB Winter Meetings will be crucial for the Mets' strategy moving forward.

The New York Mets are actively seeking starting pitching support this offseason, particularly with several key players becoming free agents. They have initiated this process by signing Frankie Montas to a two-year deal worth $34 million.

Additionally, discussions surrounding a potential trade for All-Star pitcher Luis Castillo from the Seattle Mariners have emerged. This could involve trading former top prospect Brett Baty, who has struggled to secure a position on the Mets' roster.