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MIAMI, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 28: Juan Soto #22 of the New York Mets reacts after striking out during the first inning against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot park on September 28, 2025 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Tomas Diniz Santos/Getty Images)

For the New York Mets, the disaster that was the 2025 season is now over. New York missed the playoffs after going all-in at the trade deadline in July, and completely fell off in the last two months of the season.

Now, with the offseason here, it is time for David Stearns and the rest of the Mets front office to make big decisions. The two biggest things on the Mets’ wishlist this offseason are depth starters and infield help. Pete Alonso has already announced that he will opt out of his current deal, and Mark Vientos did not have a breakout 2025 campaign like some expected him to.

Mets Trade Idea Lands Nolan Arenado

Nolan Arenado is among the hottest names in the early trade rumor mill. With a transition of power in the St. Louis Cardinals front office, it is expected that Nolan Arenado is entirely on the trade block and has played his final game in a Cardinals uniform.

Bleacher Report writer Zachary Rymer recently came out with eight “realistic” offseason trades, and Nolan Arenado to the New York Mets is one of the deals:

“Whereas Arenado was picky with who he was willing to waive his no-trade clause for last winter, he’s a bit more open this time around. That, in turn, could be an opening for the Mets, who should also be attracted to his burning desire to win.”

Here are the prospects of the deal as well:

“Trade Proposal: New York Mets get 3B Nolan Arenado; St. Louis Cardinals get LHP Sean Manaea, RHP Jonathan Pintaro, cash”

Sean Manaea did not look the same this season as he did in 2024, and in a deal like this, New York wouldn’t want to give away any top prospects for an aging Arenado.

Nolan Arenado is an eight-time All-Star in MLB, but his bat has declined over the past few seasons. He’s 34 now, but his defense is still top-tier in the league.

This season, the Mets have had poor defense in various areas of the field, and adding a certified Gold Glove winner like Arenado should help with that.

Would the Cardinals Make This Deal?

Nolan Arenado is still under contract, and he’s owed $42 million until 2027. What makes this deal realistic and make sense is the money swap aspect of it. The Cardinals would take on Sean Manaea’s contract, and vice versa for the Mets and Arenado.

The hope for St. Louis would be that Manaea turns things around in 2026 after an injury-riddled season.

However, as the winter months approach, keep an eye out for a blockbuster deal like this to happen.