The Mets‘ melodrama continues. The departure of Pete Alonso to the Orioles is just another chapter in the suffering that is being experienced within the organization. His departure increases the pressure on David Stearns, president of the franchise’s operations. He must quickly find replacements for Pete Alonso and Edwin Diaz.
Stearns has not said anything so far. Everything is silent in his environment regarding the new signings, but it is the time of rumors, so information has been leaked about the plan he is designing for this market closure with two players with whom he is apparently already negotiating.
As one of the urgencies is to fill the first base position, the New Yorkers want a veteran. Along with him, another element that dominates center field. Luckily for Stearns, both are on the same team.
The Mets are interested in Willson Contreras and Lars Nootbaar
The Mets and Cardinals are reportedly negotiating a possible trade for the two, mainly for Willson Contreras, who is at the top of the list with Pete Alonso’s departure. At 34, Contreras has two years remaining on his contract worth $36.5 million of the total $87.5 million. He also has a $17.5 million option for 2028.Contreras played 120 games at first base during the 2025 season. As a hitter, he has been above average in all three seasons with the Cardinals, posting at least a 124 wRC+ each year. As a balance to his addition, the Mets are thinking of Nootbaar, a player who fits into their plans for the following campaign.
Mets’ all-or-nothing offer for Kyle Tucker
Throughout the offseason, Kyle Tucker’s name was floated as the New York franchise’s main target for 2026. The interest has been public knowledge. Before going for him, they first wanted to try with the contracts of Pete Alonso and Edwin Diaz to return to the team, but there was no agreement with them.
Now that both are out of the organization, the Mets have free capital to go after Tucker. The issue is that they dropped two key pieces from their roster and, by investing in Kyle, they shed payroll for just one player when they are in need of two
Tucker is projected to get a contract in the $350 million to $400 million range. That’s an exorbitant figure! That’s why David Stearns operates in secrecy, designing the best strategy for the team to have the reinforcements it needs to compete in the 2026 season.
Munetaka Murakami, the ace up the sleeve?
The Japanese slugger posted a .273/.379/.663 line with a 211 wRC+ in NPB. That’s exactly the kind of offensive power the Mets need. However, the only question is whether the New York club would be willing to commit long-term to a player who has not played in the Major Leagues.
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