The arrival of spring generally means warmer weather, longer days, and the blooming of flowers, but to a baseball fan, it’s a new beginning.

As someone who grew up a New York Mets fan, everyone usually chuckles when they hear me say “This will be our year”. They know that I say that every year, and usually by the time the all star break roles around that optimism turns into “there’s always next year”.

But, that could all change this season.

After an exciting playoff run in 2024, the Mets made big moves this offseason. They signed Major League Baseball’s top free agent, Juan Soto to a massive 15-year, $765 million contract. They also revamped the pitching staff and re-signed fan-favorite first baseman, Pete Alonso.

Could this be the year they go all the way?

The Mets do play in a stacked National League East, which also hosts the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies, two consistent playoff teams.

But the additions to both their lineup and pitching staff could make things more interesting and give the Mets an advantage they haven’t seen in past years.

Of course, most eyes will be set on the defending World Series champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers, as they look to secure back-to-back titles for the first time in their franchise history.

Reigning MVP Shohei Ohtani leads a star-studded lineup, and the Dodgers pitching staff boasts some of the biggest names in baseball. They will be tough to beat.

In the American League, arguably the most exciting division race looks to be the AL East. The Boston Red Sox signed several big names during free agency this offseason, including third baseman Alex Bregman and pitcher Walker Buehler. They also acquired All-Star pitcher, Garrett Crochet this offseason in a trade with the Chicago White Sox.

However, the Red Sox will have to compete with the reigning American League Champions and division rivals, the New York Yankees.

The Yankees are a little bit more of a question mark this season than they were going into last year.

They lost Soto in free agency and didn’t add any big bats to their lineup during the offseason. They did, however, add in the pitching department. They signed pitcher Max Fried and acquired reliever Devin Williams in a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers.

But, they also will be without their ace this season, as Gerrit Cole is recovering from a season-ending elbow injury that required surgery.

The AL East is also home to the Baltimore Orioles, Tampa Bay Rays, and the Toronto Blue Jays. All teams looking to be in the mix this year, so that should be a tight race.

But, the thing about baseball, is that it is a long season and anything can happen.

Sometimes winning seasons come when you least expect it, and that is what makes it so much fun to watch.

The season opens on Thursday, March 27 with a 14-game slate of games for fans to choose from.