The New York Mets added Juan Soto, but what comes next? They need a corner infielder to replace Pete Alonso at first base. While the first base market is dry, New York might add a third baseman and move Mark Vientos to first base. One of the finest options on the market is St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado, who reportedly mentioned the Mets as one of the teams he would waive his no-trade clause for.
Thomas Gauvain of Redbird Rants recently devised a trade that would send Arenado to the Big Apple in a massive transaction. Gauvain’s comprehensive trade proposal is as follows:
New York Mets get: 3B Nolan Arenado gets $15 million.
The St. Louis Cardinals receive: RHP Jonah Tong
“The Mets just got the offseason’s prized player in Juan Soto, they’ve already bolstered their rotation, and they may not be done just yet,” says Gauvin. “At the moment, Brett Baty is listed as the Mets’ third baseman in 2025, but he struggled at the plate in 2024. His defense is also not particularly impressive. Arenado would be a major improvement at the hot corner for the Mets.
“The Mets will undoubtedly be contenders in 2025, and Arenado will propel them to the next level. His excellent defense, along with Lindor’s at shortstop, would give New York one of the best left sides of the infield in the league. If the Mets are unable to re-sign Pete Alonso, they may look to the trade market to fill up their corner infield positions.
The Cardinals would benefit from the transaction since it saves them more than $30 million on Arenado’s remaining $52 million. They’re also adding Jonah Tong, a young pitcher with a powerful fastball. The Mets would continue to pursue a World Series roster without investing much money. It would be a less expensive move, especially if the Cardinals included cash in the transaction, than adding Alex Bregman or Alonso. This move also allows the Mets to spend more on their starting rotation.
