The New York Mets have been very active in the offseason, adding reliever Trevor May, catcher James McCann, owner Steve Cohen, president Sandy Alderson, general manager Jared Porter, and plenty of depth arms, most recently starter Jerad Eickhoff. They still have holes to fill, though.
The Colorado Rockies, in turn, may be looking at a different approach to the offseason. Star third baseman Nolan Arenado still has six years and more than $190 million remaining in his mammoth contract, and they would like to move him this winter. The problem for potential suitors is that he has an opt-out clause after 2021.
According to MLB Network’s Jon Paul Morosi, the Rockies want the New York Mets to be involved in trade talks. They know that Cohen, who recently took over the Queens’ team, has loads of money and isn’t afraid to spend if it means improving the roster.
“The team that I am watching very carefully — that I was told even this week is the team the Rockies want to engage with — is the New York Mets,” Jon Morosi reported Wednesday morning on MLB Network (link to SNY article here.)
The Mets may not be that interested
The Rockies would like to free up some salary to extend shortstop Trevor Story and to receive a couple of quality players from any potential suitor. They see the Mets as an attractive trade partner. However, the sentiment may not be mutual.
Morosi suggested that Robinson Cano could be part of a transaction, and it would help offset the massive amount of money still owed to Arenado. In addition, the writer speculated that Brandon Nimmo and a prospect could seal the deal.
The Mets, however, may not be interested in the deal. Sure, it would improve the infield defense and shore up the lineup, but they would be taking a massive contract and give up valuable players for a player that may opt out after next season. If Colorado accepts Cano, like Morosi suggests, maybe there would be some kind of interest from the Mets, but that’s highly unlikely.
The Mets have options to plug at third base, anyway. They can play Jeff McNeil, Andres Gimenez or JD Davis there.