Mets’ Rumor Roundup: What Could Be Next?

After the departures of fan favorites Pete Alonso and Edwin Diaz, the Mets have a blank canvas to work with to build out their team for 2026 and beyond. Through free agency and trades, one thing is clear – this Mets organization is going to look different.

Outfield Targets

Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported that the Mets were among the teams that checked in on Kyle Tucker. The Mets also continue to be linked to Cody Bellinger, who can play corner outfield, first base, and has experience in center field, though he has seen less playing time there the last few years.

According to Will Sammon of the Athletic, Lars Nootbaar and Ramon Laureano have reported as players the Mets have inquired about to take over in left field. Kiley McDaniels of ESPN also links Jarren Duran of the Red Sox as a potential fit. If the Mets choose to go after a center fielder Brenton Doyle is a name that has surfaced recently in trade talks per Ari Alexander of 7News Boston. Doyle is an elite defensive center fielder who is one year removed from a .764 OPS season.

First Base

John Denton of MLB.com and Jeff Jones of Belleville News reported that the Mets have discussed trading for Willson Contreras. He rated as a plus defender at first base last year and his 129 WRC+ over the last three seasons is in line with Pete Alonso’s 128 WRC+. It is unclear how advanced these trade talks are, but per Denton, Contreras is expected to waive his no-trade clause to play in New York. The Mets have also considered signing free agent Paul Goldschmidt to platoon with Jeff McNeil. Goldschmidt hit .336 with a .981 OPS against left-handed pitching last year.

Cody Bellinger could be considered at first base in addition to left field. Anthony Dicomo of MLB.com also linked Japanese stars Kazuma Okamoto and Munetaka Murakami as potential fits at first base.

Rotation

The Mets have been heavily linked to free agent pitcher Michael King and per the New York Post recently had a video call with him. Mark Suleymanov of the New York Post reports that the Mets have shown interest in Japanese ace Tatsuya Imai. The Mets are believed to have interest in Framber Valdez and Ranger Suarez if their market lines up with the Mets per the Athletic. Tarik Skubal, Freddy Peralta, Joe Ryan, Edward Cabrera, MacKenzie Gore are all names the Mets have been linked to in trades if they were to be available.

ESPN notes that a Skubal trade is still likely and that the Dodgers could be open to trading Tyler Glasnow.

Bullpen

Per Joel Sherman of the New York Post the Mets have reportedly inquired about trading for Trevor Megill from the Milwaukee Brewers. Per Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, they continue to check in with and show interest in closer Robert Suarez, and per Jon Heyman of the New York Post, have discussed a potential reunion with reliever Tyler Rogers, whom the Mets traded for at last year’s deadline. Per Mark Feinsand of MLB.com the Mets are talking to reliever Pete Fairbanks.

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