After a devastating collapse to end the 2025 regular season, the New York Mets missed the playoffs on a tiebreaker with the Cincinnati Reds. Since then, the organization has wasted little time reshaping its staff, parting ways with several coaches in an early offseason overhaul.
The changes may not stop there. As the trade and free-agent markets approach, speculation has already begun about New York’s next move. According to Bleacher Report’s Zachary Rymer, third baseman Nolan Arenado could be a realistic trade target, potentially reuniting the Mets and St. Louis Cardinals as trade partners. The two clubs previously completed a deal for closer Ryan Helsley at this year’s trade deadline.
Arenado’s résumé needs little introduction. The veteran third baseman has finished as high as third in MVP voting, earned eight All-Star selections, 10 Gold Gloves, six Platinum Gloves and five Silver Slugger awards. Although his offensive production has dipped in recent seasons with the Cardinals, his elite defense remains among the best in baseball.
For the Mets, Arenado could fill a long-standing void at third base. Surrounded by stars such as Juan Soto, Francisco Lindor and potentially Pete Alonso, Arenado would not be counted on as a middle-of-the-order bat, but rather as a stabilizing defensive presence with the potential for offensive upside.
In Rymer’s proposed deal, the Cardinals would receive left-hander Sean Manaea and mid-level prospect Jonathan Pintaro. Both Manaea and Arenado are under contract through 2027, making the trade financially feasible. While Manaea struggled in 12 starts this season, he is only a year removed from posting a 12-6 record with a 3.47 ERA.
