Mets showing interest in these Cardinals stars

Mets interested in Willson Contreras and Lars Nootbaar

It's not the first time that the Mets have been linked to the selling Cardinals this year, as it was previously reported that they "love" Brendan Donovan. Donovan has become a very popular trade target around the league, but he makes less sense for the Mets after they traded for second baseman Marcus Semien.

But now without a clear plan at first base and left field, their interest has shifted to two of the other St. Louis veterans that could very likely be moved this offseason. While Contreras and Nootbaar cannot fully replace the production lost in Alonso and Nimmo, the pivot would be significantly cheaper and offers flexibility in the long-term at both positions.

Contreras is entering his age-34 season and is set to make $18 million next season and $18.5 million in 2027. The three-time All-Star is coming off his tenth professional season where he slashed .257/.344/.447 with 20 home runs and 80 RBIs in 135 games.

Despite his age, Contreras has shown no signs of slowing down and just posted a career-high 49% hard-hit rate while ranking 95th percentile in bat speed last season. On top of that, Contreras has fully transitioned from catching into a full-time option at first base, starting 119 of his 135 games there in 2025.

Nootbaar, 28, is coming off of a less productive year offensively but could help fill the Mets' outfield needs until prospects Carson Benge and Jett Williams are ready to contribute. Last year, Nootbaar slashed .234/.325/.361 with 13 home runs and 48 RBIs in 135 games.

The main concern for Nootbaar has been availability, as his 135 appearances last year marks the most he has made in a season since entering the league in 2021. Nootbaar underwent double heel surgery in October and his status for Opening Day will be in jeopardy.

While Nootbaar won't replicate Nimmo's production in the lineup, he can be a serviceable option in left field and will be under contract until 2028. If the Cardinals' fire sale continues, it is likely that they will part with the lefty bat for a younger player that fits their timeline better.

Only time will tell what Stearns' front office has planned for the Mets roster in 2026. But if recent moves are any indication, the club is willing to draw a line when it comes to aging players with declining defensive profiles, regardless of their offensive impact. Given that, it would not be surprising to see the Mets pivot to two players in Contreras and Nootbaar that offer defensive versatility on cheap contracts.

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