The New York Mets continue to face pressing questions about their outfield as the 2026 MLB Spring Training approaches, with just six weeks remaining to finalize roster decisions and add talent to pair with their established stars.

At present, the Mets’ only outfielders with ample major league experience are Juan Soto and Tyrone Taylor, leaving the team thin in options should they miss out on top targets like Kyle Tucker and Cody Bellinger in free agency.

New York’s offseason has been characterized by an aggressive approach to roster renovation, with the front office going full “cleaning of house” mode, signaling an organization-wide commitment to restructuring the team both on and off the field.

Significant trades have already reshaped the Mets’ outfield, as they moved on from Jeff McNeil and Brandon Nimmo, two players who previously provided starting options and depth, further intensifying the need to address the position.

With these departures, it may be time for the Mets’ front office to pivot and actively pursue an impactful outfielder rather than relying solely on internal options, a move that could dramatically improve both lineup depth and overall offensive production.

Back in late November, MLB reporter Ken Rosenthal noted that the Los Angeles Angels were open to trading prospects Jo Adell and Taylor Ward, signaling potential availability for a high-upside acquisition in New York’s offseason plans.

While Ward was subsequently moved to the Orioles, the Mets could still set their sights on Jo Adell, a young and powerful outfielder whose breakout 2025 season has turned him into one of the more intriguing trade targets around the league.

Adell finally realized his potential in 2025, smashing 37 home runs in 526 at-bats while achieving career highs in doubles, OPS+, RBIs, and runs scored, marking a breakout campaign that suggested his long-awaited adjustment to the major leagues had arrived.

Despite being a highly touted prospect for the Angels, Adell’s career had struggled to find consistent footing, making 2025 a defining year in which he embraced a “swing for the fences” mentality, demonstrating both power and a willingness to adjust his approach at the plate.

The Angels, operating under new front office leadership, may now be seeking to transition into a rebuild mode, particularly with a focus on building around promising talent such as shortstop Zach Neto, creating an opportune environment for the Mets to make a trade.

In this hypothetical trade scenario, the Mets would acquire Jo Adell from the Angels in exchange for prospects Jonah Tong, A.J. Ewing, and infielder Ronny Mauricio, a package that includes talent either ready for the majors or close to MLB impact.

Acquiring Adell would immediately address New York’s outfield deficit, providing a proven bat alongside Juan Soto and Tyrone Taylor while giving the Mets a young, cost-controlled player under contract through 2028.

The trade is notable for its balance, as the Mets would be giving up promising prospects, but the return is a major league-ready impact bat capable of contributing immediately to a playoff-caliber lineup.

Despite Rosenthal’s report, it is somewhat surprising that other MLB teams have not been heavily linked to Adell, leaving New York potentially in a favorable position to negotiate a deal with Anaheim before spring training begins.

Even with offseason acquisitions, the Mets’ need for a reliable outfielder persists, particularly after losing key contributors such as Pete Alonso and Edwin Diaz, two players who previously anchored the roster and provided both offensive and defensive value.

New York has still made significant additions, bringing in Jorge Polanco, Devin Williams, and Luke Weaver in free agency, along with Marcus Semien via trade, reflecting an emphasis on shoring up defense and depth across multiple positions.

Defensive metrics from last season indicated that the Mets allowed far too many preventable runs, reinforcing the team’s strategy of prioritizing defensive upgrades and intelligent roster construction during this offseason.

Jo Adell presents additional appeal due to his contract structure, as he remains an arbitration-eligible player who will not reach free agency until 2028, providing both cost certainty and long-term potential for New York’s outfield.

At just 26 years old, Adell represents a prime-age player entering his peak performance years, a factor that increases his value in any potential trade scenario, especially for a team seeking immediate production alongside younger core talent.

While trading prospects like Jonah Tong and A.J. Ewing may sting, the Mets boast a strong core of pitching prospects, including Nolan McLean, who is likely untouchable, making Tong and Brandon Sproat the primary trade candidates to facilitate a deal.

The Mets’ willingness to part with these prospects underscores their commitment to improving the current roster, even at the cost of future potential, highlighting the front office’s focus on competitiveness and immediate impact in 2026.

In addition to roster needs, timing is critical, as Spring Training is just weeks away, and New York must finalize its outfield depth chart before camps open, ensuring that their lineup is both competitive and balanced.

Acquiring Adell would complement Juan Soto’s elite offensive profile while providing additional power and run production, addressing gaps left by Alonso and other departed outfielders who previously contributed significantly to the team’s offensive output.

Beyond on-field impact, Adell brings versatility in the outfield and experience handling high-leverage situations, traits that are highly valuable as the Mets attempt to contend in the competitive National League East.

This potential trade would also send a message to fans and players alike, signaling that the organization is serious about competing in 2026 and is willing to leverage top prospects to acquire difference-making talent.

Even if a trade for Adell does not materialize, the Mets are likely to remain linked to other big offseason moves, including free agent acquisitions or smaller trades, as they continue to shape a roster capable of competing at a high level.

Ultimately, the Mets’ strategy this offseason combines defensive reinforcement, offensive firepower, and calculated risk-taking, with the acquisition of a player like Jo Adell representing a bold step toward achieving immediate competitiveness.

As spring training approaches, all eyes will be on New York’s front office, evaluating not only how they manage prospects and contracts but also how effectively they fill key positional gaps in the outfield.

Jo Adell’s potential addition remains one of the most compelling storylines of the Mets’ offseason, offering both a solution to their immediate needs and a young, cost-controlled player who could shape the team’s success for years to come.

Until then, the Mets will continue to weigh internal options alongside trade possibilities, balancing long-term player development wit