The New York Mets won the Juan Soto sweepstakes, but it could impact their ability to keep Pete Alonso in Queens. They could trade for a slightly cheaper infielder if they cannot come to terms with Alonso.
FanSided’s Zach Pressnell suggested that the team could swing a blockbuster trade for Nolan Arenado to help replace Alonso. The Mets could move Mark Vientos to first base and allow Arenado to fill the hole left in the hot corner.
“It’s an intriguing plan. If the Mets don’t try to land Alonso again, the slugger will sign elsewhere and a trade for Arenado makes more sense. But after signing Juan Soto for nearly $800 million, New York will likely need the Cardinals to eat a large chunk of the deal to land him,” wrote Pressnell. “New York’s farm system isn’t very deep, so the prospect return would likely be quite minimal for Arenado to head to Queens.”
Arenado is an eight-time All-Star, five-time Silver Slugger, 10-time Gold Glover and six-time Platinum Glover. He signed an eight-year, $260 million deal with the Colorado Rockies in 2019. The Cardinals are going to have to eat some of his salary to trade him. Arenado has a no-trade clause and essentially has all the leverage.
He has already turned down a trade to the Astros and the belief is that he will wait until the Dodgers back out before accepting a trade elsewhere, according to MLB insider John Denton. The prospect of playing with Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor might be enough to make him accept a trade to the Mets.
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