Mets Replace Pete Alonso With $260M Slugger in Blockbuster Trade Idea
Now that outfielder Juan Soto with the New York Mets, president of baseball operations David Stearns can focus on the rest of his offseason to-do list. Outside of adding to the pitching staff, the Mets need to fill a hole at first base. Will they re-sign Pete Alonso or swing a deal with the St. Louis Cardinals for third baseman Nolan Arenado?
The Cardinals are looking to offload the 10-time Gold Glove Award winner. This situation is complicated because Arenado in his eight-year, $260 million deal. However, the veteran is reportedly willing to waive that no-trade clause for six teams.
Along with the Mets, Arenado is also open to playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, Los Angeles Angels, Philadelphia Phillies and Boston Red Sox. these potential destinations, concluding New York is the best fit for Arenado.

“Mark Vientos established himself as a core piece of New York’s future, but he can only play one of the two corner infield spots,” Rotman wrote. “In a perfect world, the Mets re-sign Pete Alonso, but if his market sees a lot of action, there’s a good chance that David Stearns won’t want to meet a high asking price for a first baseman on the wrong side of 30. If Alonso departs, moving Vientos across the diamond to first base to accommodate an Arenado trade wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world.”
Stearns has publicly expressed the team’s desire to re-sign Alonso, but anything can happen in free agency. Now that Soto is officially signed, the Polar Bear’s market can seriously take shape. Several teams need a new first baseman, some of which include the New York Yankees, Houston Astros, Washington Nationals and Seattle Mariners.
If bidding for the Mets’ homegrown slugger reaches a level Stearns deems not worthwhile, they’ll have to pivot to other options. Arenado would hypothetically be one to consider given the situation. He has three years and $52 million left on his current contract.
