JOHN JASTREMSKI
I hope that the 2024 holiday season has treated you well.
We all have our wish lists every year for Santa Claus and what he may bring us under the Christmas tree.
Maybe it’s that apple watch or the newest video game console, but I have my wish list for Santa Claus for some of the New York Sports teams.
For some of the New York teams, this past year brought a lot of presents.
For some others, a whole lot of coal.
Mets: Re-Sign Pete Alonso
Yes, the Mets are coming off one of their best seasons without a championship. A feel good ride to the NLCS. To cap off the year, the Mets signed Juan Soto away from the Yankees to become the next franchise cornerstone.
The Mets added Soto, brought back Sean Manaea, but still have one more major need to address.
They need to bring back Pete Alonso to round out the middle of their lineup.
The power, protection for Soto and the idea of Alonso being a Met for life all should make the Mets fans spirit bright.
Giants: Find And Draft a Franchise Quarterback
The Giants are in the middle of the worst season in the 100 year history of the franchise.
The season thankfully ends in two weeks, but now the stage is set for a great present in late April.
If the Giants lose their final two games of the season, they end up with the # 1 pick in the draft.
Of course it’s not a given, but the idea of the next hope at quarterback come April and the entire draft to choose from, at least gives 2025 a chance at a promising start.
Jets: End the longest playoff drought in professional sports! Hire Mike Vrabel!
The Jets have the longest playoff drought in professional sports. They’ve hired plenty of GM’ and head coaches since 2010.
They brought in Aaron Rodgers, a future Hall Of Fame quarterback, yet here we are.
No playoffs since 2010.
The franchise needs a program and culture builder.
There is no better place to start than to look at Mike Vrabel to be that guy.
Vrabel thrived for years as coach of the Tennessee Titans. His teams were always prepared, tough minded and successful.
This is the perfect choice to change the culture.
Yankees: Become More Fundamentally Sound in 25!
The 2024 Yankees ended a 15 year drought without an American League pennant.
They were also a team that was fundamentally flawed all season long.
They ran the bases terribly and the team’s defense left a lot to be desired.
The Yankee defense was responsible for one of the worst defensive innings in the history of the Yankees and the World Series in a 5th inning of Game 5 of the World Series that will live in infamy.
I am hopeful that the Yankees can be a more fundamentally sound team next season.
Adding Cody Bellinger and Paul Goldschmidt who are two terrific defensive players should help the overall team defense.
It will be needed with the addition of weak contract machine Max Fried joining Gerrit Cole at the top of the rotation.
There are a few of the things I listed for New York fans to wish for under their trees for 2025.
To all a Merry Christmas and to all a good night.
You can listen to my podcast New York, New York on the Ringer Podcast Network on Spotify/Apple podcasts every Sunday & Thursday. You can watch me nightly on Honda Sports Nite at 11 PM on SNY.
