The Mets-Dodgers rivalry has always been a hot topic in baseball, and this season, the stakes feel higher than ever. Carlos Mendoza, steering the Mets through a season full of early hurdles, finds himself right in the thick of the action. During a recent media session, things took a sharp turn when an unexpected voice threw out a bold question. Mendoza paused, his grin giving away just a hint of mischief, before delivering his answer with cool confidence. The question? “What do the Mets have that the Dodgers don’t?”

The Mets are still finding their footing in this young season. After taking two of three at home from the Toronto Blue Jays with back-to-back 3-2 victories on Saturday and Sunday (April 5th and 6th), they’ve shown resilience, a quality Mendoza often praises. While standings fluctuate daily, this positive series win keeps the Mets firmly in the mix for the National League East, providing the perfect backdrop for Mendoza’s insightful comments.

In a recent media session, a young reporter went straight to the heart of the matter, putting the Mets skipper on the spot. The kid asked bluntly, “What do the Mets have that the Dodgers don’t?” Momentarily taken aback, Mendoza collected himself and responded with passion and confidence. “We’ve got great players, great people, and a fantastic fan base here, so I’ll take that,” he said, before adding with a grin, “…we’ve got Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor!” 🤣

Mendoza might’ve said it with a smile, but there was some serious truth tucked behind the joke. He pointed straight to the Mets’ star-studded top of the lineup;  a flashy, firepower-heavy contrast to the Dodgers’ usual “strength in numbers” game plan. Juan Soto has been on fire to start the 2025 season, hitting .320 with 3 home runs and a 1.094 OPS through the first 7 games, showcasing his elite on-base skills. Meanwhile, Francisco Lindor, with a .296 average, 2 home runs, and a .923 OPS early on, offers dynamic offense coupled with Gold Glove-level defense. Mendoza seems convinced that this superstar duo gives the Mets a core strong enough to compete with, and potentially surpass, any opponent, including LA’s Ohtani-Betts combo.

Mets vs. Dodgers: Can Mets’ star power overcome Dodgers’ depth?

That star power was the center of the Mets’ strategy during the offseason. The big news was that they signed Juan Soto ($765M) to a historic contract to make a dominant lineup. They also notably retained first baseman Pete Alonso and outfielder Jesse Winker, solidifying their lineup. Landing the defensive whiz Jose Siri to man center opened the door for Brandon Nimmo to shift to left field, strengthening the outfield defense. Overall, these changes reflect a clear plan: surround Soto and Lindor with complementary pieces to take on the league’s best.

But both the Mets and Dodgers have overcome early-season setbacks. The Mets felt the sting of losing starting catcher Francisco Alvarez and versatile infielder Jeff McNeil to injuries, forcing younger players like Luis Torrens and Brett Baty into larger roles. Ace right-hander Kodai Senga’s late return will test their rotation depth. The Dodgers have not been immune, either, with two of their top pitchers, Tony Gonsolin and Evan Phillips, having spent time on the injured list this season, but their deep roster has weathered these hits better so far.

Comparing their most recent outings (both on April 5th), we can sum up their ability to win in different paths. The Mets win 3-2 over Toronto with a whopping 6 hits (.200 AVG) and getting a clutch walk-off from Soto. The Dodgers, meanwhile, sailed past San Diego, 6-3, on 10 hits (.303 AVG) with a grand slam that showcased their offensive power. The Dodgers seem like a dominant team, while the Mets are dependent on clutch hits and clutch pitching.

At the end of the day, Carlos Mendoza’s playful response to a kid’s tough question reflects one of his essential beliefs. After recognizing the Dodgers’ strengths, he trusts in the elite ability of players such as Soto and Lindor, the character of his clubhouse, and the energy of the fanbase to make the difference. Whether that powerful cocktail can consistently vanquish the Dodgers’ plain-vanilla depth is the thrilling question of the season. For baseball fans everywhere, this rivalry’s unfolding is going to be compelling theatre.