Mets play Blue Jays in home opener today. Here's what to know for Juan Soto's debut at Citi Field.
The New York Mets are gearing up for their 2025 home opener against the Toronto Blue Jays today at Citi Field, where 40,000 fans will welcome superstar Juan Soto to Queens.
The Mets bolstered their 2025 World Series odds during the offseason, highlighted by signing the 4-time MLB All-Star, after coming up short in the 2024 National League Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Soto, 26, signed a record-breaking 15-year, $756 million contract with the Mets after spending last season with the New York Yankees. He hit his first Mets home run in the second game of the season.
The game is also slugger Pete Alonso's first at Citi Field since signing a 2-year, $54 million free agent contract to return to New York. He stands 25 home runs away from breaking Darryl Strawberry's franchise home run record.
What to know for Mets 2025 home opener
The Mets are 3-3 in their return to Queens after starting the season on the road against the Houston Astros and Miami Marlins. New York has some momentum after a thrilling win in extra innings Wednesday against Miami, highlighted by Alonso's game-tying 3-run home run in the 8th inning.
"I think this is something you can never take for granted. It's a privilege to wear a big league uniform, in our case put the Mets uniform on. It means a lot. It means something, whether it's your 10th, your number 15 or your first one. I told them in Houston it's a privilege and make sure they enjoy it, don't take it for granted, and the same thing today," manager Carlos Mendoza said.
"It's sick, I'm so excited to be back here and see all the fans and Citi Field. It's gonna be amazing," third baseman Mark Vientos said.
There are also plenty of new food options to look forward to this season at Citi Field.
The Mets expect a sellout today, so fans are urged to take mass transit or rideshares to and from the ballpark. Fans riding the New York City subway can take the 7 train to Mets-Willets Point. The Long Island Rail Road also stops there. Click here for more info from the MTA.
Citi Field bag policy and start times
Backpacks are not allowed inside Citi Field, with some exceptions for totally clear ones and those used for ADA/medical reasons, the Mets website says.
Purses, diaper bags that are not backpack-style, tote, drawstring and messenger style bags, along with small soft-sided coolers that do not exceed 16"x16"x8" are allowed, the Mets say.
Click here for more about the bag policy and here for all Citi Field security policies.
Here's what else to know if you're going to the game:
Parking lots open: 12:10 p.m.
Citi Field gates open: 1:10 p.m.
Pregame ceremonies: 2:30 p.m.
First pitch: 3:10 p.m.
Pitchers: Mets right-hander Tylor Megill vs. Blue Jays right-hander Kevin Gausman
Mets starting lineup:
- Francisco Lindor SS
- Juan Soto RF
- Pete Alonso 1B
- Brandon Nimmo LF
- Starling Marte DH
- Mark Vientos 3B
- Luis Torrens C
- Luisangel Acuña 2B
- Jose Siri CF
Who's singing the national anthem and throwing the ceremonial first pitch?
Lissa deGuzman of Broadway's "Wicked" will sing "O Canada" and the "Star-Spangled Banner," and the NYPD Ceremonial Unit will present the colors. FDNY firefighter Regina Wilson will sing "God Bless America" during the seventh-inning stretch.
Former Mets players John Franco, Al Leiter, Bartolo Colón and Juan Lagares will participate in the ceremonial first pitch to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the 2000 National League Championship and 10th anniversary of the 2015 National League Championship.
The Mets are also wearing a tribute patch on their uniforms this season to honor team Hall-of-Famer Ed Kranepool, who died at 79 in September. Kranepool, who played in 1,853 games for the Mets over his 18-year career, is the longest-tenured player in team history. Members of his family and former teammates will participate in an on-field ceremony before the game.
