Five Trades the New York Mets Should Seriously Consider This Offseason

As the 2025–26 MLB offseason drags on, daily hypotheticals and “what if” scenarios have become a staple for fans and analysts alike. For the New York Mets, this is especially true. While free agency dominates much of the conversation, the trade market presents equally tantalizing opportunities. So far, Mets general manager David Stearns has dipped his toes into the market, executing two trades: sending outfielder Brandon Nimmo to the Texas Rangers for Marcus Semien and flipping Jeff McNeil to the Oakland Athletics for a 17-year-old pitching prospect.

While these moves have added depth and youth to the roster, there are still critical holes to address—particularly in pitching and the outfield. With several weeks remaining before the season kicks off, the Mets have time to make calculated moves that could push them back into championship contention. Here are five trade targets that make the most sense for New York.

1. Freddy Peralta — Milwaukee Brewers

Perhaps the most obvious need for the Mets is frontline pitching, and Freddy Peralta represents a potential game-changer. Over the last two months, Peralta’s name has repeatedly surfaced in trade rumors linking him to New York. Stearns’ prior experience with the Brewers gives him unique insight into Peralta’s capabilities, making this a logical pursuit.

Peralta is coming off a career-best 2025 season, finishing fifth in NL Cy Young voting after posting a 2.70 ERA and 204 strikeouts over 176 innings. Durable and reliable, he has thrown more than 165 innings in each of the last three seasons, a stark contrast to the injury-plagued Mets rotation that leaned heavily on call-ups and relievers acting as openers.

Another significant factor is cost. Peralta will earn just $8 million in 2026, well below what an equivalent ace would command in free agency. Acquiring him would give New York not only immediate rotation stability but also potential long-term value if a contract extension is negotiated. For a team desperate to avoid another injury-marred season, Peralta could provide both consistency and elite performance at the front of the rotation.

2. Luis Robert Jr. — Chicago White Sox

Outfield depth has long been a question mark for the Mets, and Luis Robert Jr. could provide both talent and versatility. The two sides were reportedly in discussions during the previous trade deadline, but New York backed away due to Chicago’s steep asking price. At the time, the White Sox wanted prospects like Mark Vientos, Jack Wenninger, or Nick Morabito.

Now, the framework seems more negotiable, with Vientos reportedly on the trade block and other young pieces like Ronny Mauricio and Luisangel Acuña available. Robert, a former All-Star, has struggled with injuries and consistency in recent years, missing 112 games over the past two seasons. In 2025, he hit just .223 with 14 home runs and 53 RBIs, posting a .633 OPS.

Yet the upside remains undeniable. Robert offers elite defense and speed in center or left field, and if he can regain his 2023 form, he becomes a major offensive and defensive contributor. For a Mets lineup that occasionally struggles to cover ground in the outfield and generate speed on the bases, Robert could be a transformative addition.

3. Adrian Morejon — San Diego Padres

While the Mets made headlines by signing Devin Williams and Luke Weaver to bolster the bullpen following Edwin Díaz’s departure, there’s still room for improvement, particularly with left-handed options. Adrian Morejon, a 26-year-old reliever for the Padres, would address this gap.

Morejon excelled in 2025, posting a 2.08 ERA and 0.90 WHIP over 75 appearances. His consistency and ability to handle high-leverage innings would give the Mets another reliable arm for the late innings. Perhaps more importantly, he remains under team control through 2027, allowing New York to either extend him or maintain stability in the bullpen for multiple seasons. A lefty of his caliber could complement the back end of the bullpen and provide matchup flexibility against high-caliber opponents, especially in the NL East.

4. Lars Nootbaar — St. Louis Cardinals

Another potential addition for the outfield is Lars Nootbaar, a versatile 28-year-old who can play multiple positions. While he isn’t a game-changing superstar, Nootbaar provides depth and flexibility, which could be crucial over a long season. In 2025, he appeared in a career-high 135 games, batting .234 with 13 home runs, 48 RBIs, and a .325 on-base percentage.

The Cardinals have been active this offseason, moving key veterans such as Willson Contreras and Sonny Gray and shopping other established players. Nootbaar could fit well as a left-field option, replacing backup outfielders like Jared Young and providing insurance in case of injuries. He also adds a consistent, if unspectacular, offensive presence and solid defensive metrics, making him a low-risk, high-value trade target.

5. Edward Cabrera — Miami Marlins

Finally, the Mets’ interest in Marlins starter Edward Cabrera continues to simmer. New York reportedly explored a deal for Cabrera at the trade deadline, though Miami opted to hold onto him. Now 27, Cabrera offers three more years of team control and an affordable $3.7 million salary in 2026.

Cabrera’s profile is that of a boom-or-bust arm with a deep pitch arsenal, including a high-velocity fastball and a sharp changeup. In 2025, he posted a 3.53 ERA and struck out 150 batters over 137.2 innings, marking a career year. While the Marlins have yet to set an asking price, it’s likely to be high, reflecting both his talent and contract status.

Acquiring Cabrera could give the Mets a potential frontline starter to anchor the rotation, providing both performance and long-term stability. The risk is there, especially given Cabrera’s elbow issues in 2025, but the reward could be a top-tier starting pitcher for years to come.

Conclusion

The Mets’ offseason has already shown a willingness to make bold moves, and trades like those outlined above could significantly improve the roster. Freddy Peralta and Edward Cabrera offer immediate rotation upgrades, while Luis Robert Jr. and Lars Nootbaar provide depth and speed in the outfield. Adrian Morejon could stabilize a bullpen still adjusting to Díaz’s departure.

If David Stearns can navigate these trades successfully, the Mets may emerge from the offseason with a more balanced, dynamic roster capable of competing in a crowded NL East. While nothing is guaranteed, these moves make both practical and strategic sense—providing the Mets with pitching, depth, and versatility, all critical for sustained success.