Mets could salvage their offseason with potential Tarik Skubal, Fernando Tatis Jr. trades

The New York Mets didn't do much to ease their fans' concerns during the Winter Meetings.

But after losing Edwin Diaz, Pete Alonso, Tyler Rogers, Cedric Mullins, Gregory Soto and Ryan Helsley, it seems like president David Stearns has a plan.

They agreed to a two-year, $40 million deal with infielder Jorge Polanco. And, according to ESPN insider Buster Olney, they have set their sights on two massive fish: Fernando Tatis Jr. and Tarik Skubal.

“No team is better positioned to make a deal for Skubal than the Mets are,” Olney said in an interview with ESPN's Paul Hembekides. “I think this is part of a larger plan for David Stearns, who is willing to put pressure on his shoulders with the way this week played out.”

Mets are aiming high to salvage their offseason

The Detroit Tigers are reportedly showing a willingness to move on from their superstar hurler, according to ESPN's Jorge Castillo.

"A Tarik Skubal trade is likely. Here's what we know: Detroit Tigers president of baseball operations Scott Harris can shut down speculation by simply saying he is not trading Skubal, and he has not done that. Instead, he noted this week that there aren't any "untouchables" on his roster," Castillo wrote.

As for Tatis, Padres GM A.J. Preller didn't sound too inclined to move on from their superstar.

"Every one of the different versions and iterations of the team and roster we put up there, it’s ’Tati’ right in the middle," he told the San Diego Tribune. "Hopefully, he is one of the top players on our team this year. He’s somebody that we’re not talking about, however you want to say that. If you want to say that’s ’untouchable,’ you can say that.”

Of course, we've seen how quickly things can change in this business, and, while Stearns seems to be taking things cautiously with his roster, money shouldn't be an issue for owner Steve Cohen.

The Mets have arguably the best farm system in the majors and should have more than enough assets to pull off these moves, provided the players are, in fact, available.

That might be the only way to appease the fans after an epic late-season collapse and losing the best closer in baseball and one of the biggest fan favorites on the team. 

The Mets reportedly didn't even make an offer to keep Alonso in town. Maybe, they always had their eyes on a bigger prize.