Five Trades That Make Sense for the Mets

We’ve reached that point in the offseason when daily hypotheticals of things that definitely won’t happen become a common occurrence. For the New York Mets, that’s been a theme all offseason, “checking in” and remaining “interested” in all the top options. However, the free-agent market isn’t the only place to look; there’s also the world of trades.

So far, the Mets have made two trades: sending Brandon Nimmo to the Rangers for Marcus Semien and Jeff McNeil to the Athletics for a 17-year-old pitching prospect. There are still several weeks until the season is in full swing, which gives David Stearns even more time to search the market. With that, here are the five trades that make the most sense for the Mets.

1. Freddy Peralta — Milwaukee Brewers

It’s been a poorly kept secret this offseason: the Mets need frontline pitching. Over the last two months, New York has been linked to many of the top players on the market, including those available in free agency and via trade. Freddy Peralta is no exception. The Brewers ace is a perfect fit for the Mets and has already been linked to the president of baseball operations, David Stearns, due to their history together in Milwaukee.

The Brewers, known for moving pitchers approaching their contract years, could find reason to shop Peralta to New York, given their plethora of young pitching prospects. Peralta is coming off a career year in 2025, finishing fifth in NL Cy Young voting after posting a career-best 2.70 ERA with 204 strikeouts across 176 innings. Another plus of acquiring Peralta is his affordable contract, paying him $8 million in 2026 before he reaches free agency.

Peralta provides something the Mets currently lack: durable pitching. Last season, the Mets saw several starters go down with long-term injuries, which led to premature call-ups of prospects and the use of multiple relievers as openers. Peralta has made more than 30 starts and thrown over 165 innings in each of the past three seasons, giving the Mets an arm that could remain at the front of their rotation for years if extended following a trade.

2. Luis Robert Jr. — Chicago White Sox

Mets fans need to get comfortable with the idea of a potential Luis Robert Jr. acquisition. After back-and-forth discussions at the trade deadline, the Mets backed away from a deal for Robert due to Chicago’s high asking price. At the time, the White Sox were interested in Mark Vientos and top prospects such as Jack Wenninger or Nick Morabito, a framework that now seems more negotiable.

The Mets have already expressed interest in shopping players like Vientos, which benefits them in potential talks with Chicago regarding Robert. They also like Ronny Mauricio and Luisangel Acuña, both of whom currently lack a clear spot in the lineup. Robert is desperate for a change of scenery, having struggled over the past two seasons to stay on the field or build value, missing 112 games while appearing in just 210. In 2025, Robert continued his downward trend, batting .223 with 14 home runs and 53 RBIs, along with a .633 OPS.

Still, there is hope that Robert can return to his All-Star form from 2023. He would provide the Mets with elite defense and speed on the basepaths while adding depth to the lineup and filling a glaring hole in the outfield.

3. Adrian Morejon — San Diego Padres

One of the main improvements the Mets have made this offseason is to their bullpen. After losing Edwin Díaz, widely regarded as the best closer in baseball, Stearns signed former Yankees Devin Williams and Luke Weaver, solidifying the back end of the bullpen. Beyond that, the Mets still have glaring holes they can address through short-term free-agent deals or via trade.

On the same day the Mets signed Jorge Polanco to a two-year deal, they were also mentioned in trade talks with the Padres involving several players. Names included Nick Pivetta, Ramón Laureano, and Adrian Morejon, a reliever who fits a key Mets need. Morejon would significantly upgrade the bullpen, particularly as a left-handed option, giving the Mets a third reliable lefty. The 26-year-old posted a stellar 2025 season, recording a 2.08 ERA and a 0.90 WHIP across 75 appearances, potentially providing New York with a durable option.

The most important aspect of acquiring Morejon is his contract status. He reaches free agency after the 2027 season, giving the Mets multiple years of control and a chance to pursue a long-term extension.

4. Lars Nootbaar — St. Louis Cardinals

The second outfield option on the list would provide help in left field. Although Lars Nootbaar has shown inconsistency, there is still a chance he could help the Mets at age 28. The Cardinals have already had a busy offseason, gutting their roster of veteran players by moving Willson Contreras and Sonny Gray to the Boston Red Sox while actively shopping Nolan Arenado.

Nootbaar brings solid plate discipline and a high hard-hit rate, along with the ability to play multiple outfield positions. In 2025, he appeared in a career-high 135 games, batting .234 with 13 home runs and 48 RBIs while posting a .325 on-base percentage. Adding Nootbaar wouldn’t be a game-changer, but it would be a necessary depth move, replacing a player like Jared Young, who currently serves as the team’s primary backup outfielder.

5. Edward Cabrera — Miami Marlins

The latest trade rumor involves the Mets’ interest in Marlins starting pitcher Edward Cabrera.

The Mets first connected to Cabrera at the trade deadline, emerging as one of several teams with interest, but talks never progressed, and Miami kept him. Now 27, Cabrera represents a legitimate acquisition target, as he comes with three years of team control and a $3.7 million salary in 2026.

Cabrera is an intriguing “boom-or-bust” option, featuring a deep pitch arsenal that includes a high-velocity fastball and a filthy changeup. He delivered a career year in 2025, posting a 3.53 ERA while setting a personal best with 150 strikeouts across 137.2 innings.

The Marlins have yet to set an asking price for Cabrera, but his years of team control will likely drive it higher. Adding a pitcher like Cabrera would give the Mets a potential ace who has consistently shown promise. There is risk, however, as Cabrera suffered an elbow injury in 2025 that could carry long-term implications, as it has for many pitchers.