The New York Mets have firmly established themselves as one of Major League Baseball’s most aggressive spenders in recent seasons, and there is little indication that philosophy is changing anytime soon.
This winter has once again underscored the organization’s willingness to invest heavily in reshaping its roster, as the Mets have already added several notable pieces to their lineup and pitching staff. The arrivals of Devin Williams, Marcus Semien, Luke Weaver, and Jorge Polanco signal a clear commitment to competing at the highest level, even as the offseason remains ongoing.
At the same time, New York has absorbed a pair of high-profile departures. The losses of Pete Alonso and Edwin Diaz created obvious holes in both the lineup and bullpen, but they have not deterred the front office from continuing to explore blockbuster additions. Rather than scaling back, the Mets appear intent on doubling down, leveraging their financial flexibility to remain major players in the free-agent market.
That approach is evident in reports that the Mets have a massive offer on the table for Kyle Tucker, with a deal rumored to be worth roughly $50 million per year in average annual value. In addition, New York has shown strong interest in Cody Bellinger, another premium talent who could significantly upgrade the roster on both sides of the ball. Either player would represent a franchise-altering acquisition, reinforcing the Mets’ status as an offseason heavyweight.
However, landing one—or both—of those stars is far from guaranteed. The Toronto Blue Jays have emerged as the frontrunners in the Tucker sweepstakes, while the New York Yankees remain heavily involved in the pursuit of Bellinger. With stiff competition from divisional and league rivals, there is a real possibility that the Mets could come up empty-handed on these top targets.
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That scenario raises an intriguing question: what comes next if New York strikes out on both marquee names? According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, the Mets already have contingency plans in place that are worth monitoring closely as the winter unfolds. Passan has suggested that New York is prepared to pivot quickly, identifying alternative impact players who could still move the needle for a team with postseason aspirations.
In short, even if the Mets fail to secure Tucker or Bellinger, their offseason is far from over. With deep pockets, an aggressive mindset, and multiple backup options reportedly under consideration, New York is positioned to remain at the center of the MLB rumor mill—and to continue shaping its roster in bold, headline-grabbing ways.
Mets linked to Cardinals OF as Kyle Tucker backup plan
The New York Mets continue to loom as one of the most powerful forces in Major League Baseball’s trade and free-agent markets, largely because of their financial flexibility, deep prospect pool, and willingness to act aggressively when the right opportunity presents itself.
According to insider reporting from Jeff Passan, the Mets are among the very few franchises capable of landing virtually any player they set their sights on—whether that means pursuing an elite, high-priced starting pitcher or pivoting toward a more cost-efficient offensive upgrade.
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Passan suggests that the Mets are monitoring a wide range of potential targets, from frontline starters such as Tarik Skubal and Freddy Peralta to position players who would require a far smaller trade package. One such name that Passan specifically flags as “worth watching” is St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar, a player who may not generate headlines but could quietly fill a meaningful role for New York if larger pursuits fail to materialize.
From a pure talent standpoint, acquiring a pitcher of Skubal’s or Peralta’s caliber would be transformative. Both are established, top-of-the-rotation arms capable of anchoring a staff for years. However, the price tag for that level of pitching is immense.
Any trade for Skubal or Peralta would almost certainly require multiple premium prospects, possibly combined with young major-league talent already contributing at the big-league level. While the Mets have the resources to make such a move, front offices must always weigh whether surrendering that much long-term value is prudent, particularly when other roster needs remain.
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That reality is why Passan’s reporting places such emphasis on alternative paths. If the Mets ultimately decide against paying the steep cost associated with elite pitching—or if trade talks stall—they may instead redirect their focus toward upgrading the outfield through a more modest transaction. This is especially relevant if New York comes up short in its pursuit of marquee free agents like Kyle Tucker or Cody Bellinger.
Landing Tucker or Bellinger would require either a massive financial commitment or a blockbuster trade package, depending on the route taken. Both players carry star power, middle-of-the-order impact, and defensive versatility. Yet if the Mets lose out in those sweepstakes, they will not simply stand pat. Instead, the front office appears prepared to pivot toward a player who can provide solid everyday production without forcing the organization to sacrifice its future.
That is where Nootbaar enters the conversation.
Nootbaar, a veteran outfielder for the St. Louis Cardinals, has carved out a respectable career across five seasons in St. Louis. Over that span, he has posted a career .747 OPS—hardly elite, but certainly playable in a contending lineup. He brings a blend of on-base ability, situational hitting, and positional competence that many teams value, even if he lacks the star upside of a Tucker or Bellinger.
It’s important to note that Nootbaar is not being presented as a franchise-altering acquisition. He is not a perennial All-Star, nor is he viewed as one of the league’s premier defensive outfielders.
However, baseball teams are rarely built exclusively on superstars. Championships are often decided by the quality of complementary pieces, and in that context, Nootbaar fits the profile of a reliable contributor who could stabilize the Mets’ outfield situation in 2026.
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At 28 years old, Nootbaar is firmly in his prime, and perhaps most importantly, he is not a rental. He remains under team control for two additional seasons, giving the Mets cost certainty and roster flexibility beyond a single campaign. That level of control significantly increases his appeal, particularly for a front office that has emphasized sustainable competitiveness rather than short-term splurges at every turn.
For the Mets, this matters. While they have shown a willingness to spend aggressively in free agency, the organization has also become more calculated in how it deploys its assets. Adding Nootbaar would not require sacrificing elite prospects or absorbing a massive contract. Instead, it would represent a measured move—one that improves the roster while preserving the ability to pursue larger targets in future seasons.
Passan’s reporting also highlights a key contextual factor working in New York’s favor: the Cardinals’ current direction. St. Louis has spent much of the offseason signaling a willingness to part with veteran players as it reshapes its roster. If that trend continues, Nootbaar could become increasingly available, and the Mets would hardly be alone in expressing interest. Still, New York’s combination of prospect depth and financial flexibility could allow them to outmaneuver competitors if they decide he is the right fit.
Within the Mets’ front office, led by David Stearns, this type of move aligns with a broader philosophy. Stearns has consistently valued players who provide versatility, solid underlying metrics, and controllable years, even if they do not generate splashy headlines. Nootbaar checks many of those boxes. He can start regularly, contribute at the plate, and offer lineup balance without forcing the Mets into an all-or-nothing gamble.
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Of course, the timing of any potential pursuit is critical. Passan makes it clear that the Mets are not actively pushing to acquire Nootbaar at this moment. Their priority remains the top tier of the market. Only if those pursuits fall through does the likelihood of engagement increase. In that sense, Nootbaar represents a contingency plan—a well-vetted alternative rather than a consolation prize.
This is what makes Passan’s characterization of the situation as “worth watching” so significant. It suggests that conversations have at least occurred internally and that league executives are aware of the Mets’ potential interest. When an insider of Passan’s stature flags a connection in that manner, it often indicates more than idle speculation.
Should the Mets ultimately pivot toward Nootbaar, the move would likely be met with mixed reactions from the fan base. Some would view it as underwhelming compared to the excitement of landing a superstar outfielder. Others would recognize it as a pragmatic decision rooted in roster construction and long-term planning. Both perspectives have merit.
In the end, the Mets’ ability to pivot seamlessly between blockbuster pursuits and quieter, value-driven moves underscores their current standing in the league. They are not boxed into a single strategy. They can chase the biggest names on the market, walk away if the price becomes unreasonable, and still improve the roster through alternative avenues.
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Whether the final outcome involves a headline-grabbing trade for an ace like Skubal, a star outfielder like Tucker or Bellinger, or a steadier presence like Nootbaar, one thing remains clear: the Mets are positioned to be proactive rather than reactive. And as Passan’s reporting makes evident, if New York misses out on the very top of the market, it would be a mistake to assume they will simply settle. Instead, they are prepared to adjust, adapt, and strike where value and opportunity intersect.
In that light, Lars Nootbaar may not be the most glamorous name connected to the Mets this offseason—but he could end up being one of the most realistic, and potentially impactful, options if circumstances break a certain way.
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