Mets-Cardinals blockbuster trade idea sees New York land 10-time Gold Glover
The New York Mets are contemplating a strategy to enhance their roster for the 2025 season amid a largely successful current lineup, despite minor issues at third base and designated hitter positions. Mark Vientos and Brett Baty have shown potential, although the former had a slow start and the latter has yet to fully establish himself in the major leagues. Veteran Starling Marte's regression has also been noted. Zach Ragan of A to Z Sports suggests the Mets should consider acquiring St. Louis Cardinals' Nolan Arenado, a 10-time Gold Glover and eight-time All-Star, who could offer versatility by playing various roles in the field and as a designated hitter. The Mets are weighing this potential trade, contingent on continued strong performances from Arenado, Vientos, and Baty, as it could significantly bolster their lineup with a future Hall of Famer's presence and skills.
Context:
The New York Mets are contemplating a strategy to enhance their roster for the 2025 season amid a largely successful current lineup, despite minor issues at third base and designated hitter positions. Mark Vientos and Brett Baty have shown potential, although the former had a slow start and the latter has yet to fully establish himself in the major leagues. Veteran Starling Marte's regression has also been noted. Zach Ragan of A to Z Sports suggests the Mets should consider acquiring St. Louis Cardinals' Nolan Arenado, a 10-time Gold Glover and eight-time All-Star, who could offer versatility by playing various roles in the field and as a designated hitter. The Mets are weighing this potential trade, contingent on continued strong performances from Arenado, Vientos, and Baty, as it could significantly bolster their lineup with a future Hall of Famer's presence and skills.
Dive Deeper:
The New York Mets are aiming for a strong 2025 season and are exploring strategies to improve their team, despite having a largely solid roster this season with a thriving pitching staff and a robust lineup.
There are minor concerns at third base and designated hitter positions, where Mark Vientos had a slow start but is improving, and Brett Baty, although promising, has not yet fully proven himself in the major leagues.
Veteran player Starling Marte's performance has declined, prompting considerations for potential roster enhancements.
Sports writer Zach Ragan recommends the Mets pursue St. Louis Cardinals' third baseman Nolan Arenado, a decorated player with 10 Gold Gloves and eight All-Star appearances, who is under contract through 2027.
Arenado, while not at his previous superstar level, remains a productive player with strong fielding abilities and is currently recording a batting line of .270/.352/.426.
The Mets could utilize Arenado's versatility by alternating his roles between third base, first base, and designated hitter, providing strategic options and defensive enhancements.
The decision to trade for Arenado depends on his continued performance alongside Vientos and Baty's development, presenting the Mets with a strategic opportunity to potentially acquire a future Hall of Famer to strengthen their roster.
The New York Mets clearly have lofty goals for 2025. What will be their strategy to further those goals at the trade deadline?
There hasn't looked to be much wrong with this Mets roster so far this season. The pitching staff is thriving after fans fretted about it all winter, and the lineup is stacked from top to bottom.
Third base and designated hitter have become a slight issue, however. Mark Vientos got off to a brutal slow start, though he's heated up of late. Brett Baty has had a good run, but still isn't fully established as a big-leaguer. Meanwhile, veteran Starling Marte has regressed.
Even though some might reasonably think adding another player to that mix is asking for trouble, one baseball writer believes the Mets should go out and get a future Hall of Famer.
On Monday, Zach Ragan of A to Z Sports strongly suggested that the Mets should trade for St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado, who is under contract through 2027. Arenado has 10 Gold Gloves and eight All-Star selections to his name.
"Arenado isn't the superstar he used to be, but he's still a productive player and he's still one of the best fielders in the league. The eight-time All-Star is slashing .270/.352/.426 so far this season," Ragan wrote.
"If the Mets deal for Arenado, they could use him in a variety of ways. He could start at third base some nights, which would allow Mark Vientos to DH. Or Arenado could start at first base and Pete Alonso could DH. Additionally, Arenado could serve as a late-game defensive replacement at third base in games he doesn't start."
The Mets will need to see a few more good weeks from Arenado even to consider pulling the trigger. But in that same window, it's highly possible Vientos and Baty will hit well enough for them to withdraw from the sweepstakes.
Still, one has to consider at least going after a future Hall of Famer when his team is practically begging to give him up.
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