The New York Mets made a splash by acquiring Juan Soto, but what’s next on their offseason agenda? With Pete Alonso potentially leaving, they need to address the corner infield. Although the first base market is thin, they could shift Mark Vientos to first base and pursue a third baseman instead. One intriguing option is St. Louis Cardinals star Nolan Arenado, who has reportedly included the Mets among the teams he’d waive his no-trade clause for.
Thomas Gauvain of Redbird Rants recently proposed a blockbuster trade scenario involving Arenado. In his suggested deal, the Mets would receive Arenado and $15 million, while the Cardinals would acquire right-handed pitching prospect Jonah Tong.
“The Mets have already landed the offseason’s biggest prize in Juan Soto, fortified their rotation, and may not be done yet,” Gauvain wrote. “Brett Baty is currently penciled in as the Mets’ 2025 third baseman, but his struggles at the plate in 2024 and subpar defense make Arenado a clear upgrade.” Gauvain also emphasized how Arenado’s elite defense, paired with Francisco Lindor’s at shortstop, would create one of MLB’s best left-side infield tandems. If the Mets fail to re-sign Alonso, they could pivot to the trade market to address both corner infield positions.
The Cardinals would benefit by shedding over $30 million of Arenado’s remaining $52 million contract while acquiring Tong, a young pitching prospect with a dominant fastball. For the Mets, this trade offers a cost-effective path to upgrading their lineup, especially with the Cardinals including cash in the deal. Compared to signing Alex Bregman or re-signing Alonso, this move would free up payroll for further investments, such as bolstering the starting rotation.
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