5 Blockbuster Mets Trade Rumors That Could Define The 2026 Season

The New York Mets are navigating one of the most pivotal and unpredictable offseasons in recent memory, with the front office, led by President of Baseball Operations David Stearns, signaling a clear shift in strategy following the high-profile departures of franchise cornerstones like Pete Alonso. As of December 15, 2025, the rumor mill is churning at a furious pace, linking the Mets to nearly every major trade chip and high-end free agent, as they look to retool a roster capable of competing in the 2026 MLB season while maintaining a long-term, sustainable structure. The club's massive prospect capital and owner Steve Cohen's willingness to spend put them in the driver's seat for several potential blockbuster deals.

The immediate challenge for the Mets is twofold: replacing the immense power production lost with Alonso’s exit and addressing a perpetually thin starting rotation. Trade talks are dominating the discourse, with the Mets reportedly willing to move even "highly coveted" players to achieve their goals. The focus is on acquiring controllable talent, which makes the trade market a far more likely avenue for major upgrades than a purely free-agent spending spree, despite the team's financial might. This aggressive stance has already resulted in the trade of Brandon Nimmo for infielder Marcus Semien, setting a clear precedent for big moves.

The Mets' Top Trade Targets: Center Field and Ace Pitching

The Mets’ primary intentions are clear: secure an elite center fielder and add a frontline starting pitcher. The current trade rumors suggest a willingness to pay a premium in prospect capital for players with multiple years of control, aligning with David Stearns' long-term vision.

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1. The Pursuit of an Ace: Tarik Skubal and Freddy Peralta

Starting pitching remains the most critical need for the Mets. The team is reportedly heavily involved in discussions for two of the best young arms available on the trade market: Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers and Freddy Peralta of the Milwaukee Brewers.

• Tarik Skubal (Detroit Tigers): Skubal is arguably the top trade target for any contending team, with two years of team control remaining through the 2026 season. The Mets are expected to be "on the Tigers' case" about him, and a deal would likely require a massive haul of the Mets' top prospects, including potentially Jonah Tong or other high-ceiling arms.
• Freddy Peralta (Milwaukee Brewers): A former All-Star, Peralta is another high-end arm with a favorable contract situation, linking the Mets to a potential offseason trade. Stearns, with his Milwaukee roots, is intimately familiar with Peralta’s value and performance.

Other notable pitching targets mentioned in the Mets trade rumors include Michael King and the possibility of a move for Pablo Lopez, though the focus on Skubal and Peralta highlights the desire for a true staff anchor.

2. The Center Field Solution: Luis Robert Jr. and Byron Buxton

With the departure of Brandon Nimmo, the Mets are actively seeking a dynamic center fielder. The top name consistently linked to the club is Chicago White Sox star Luis Robert Jr.

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• Luis Robert Jr. (Chicago White Sox): Robert Jr. is a premium talent with a combination of power and speed, making him an ideal fit for the Mets' lineup. The White Sox are reportedly in a full rebuild, making Robert Jr. a prime trade candidate. The Mets have made trade inquiries, positioning themselves well to acquire the All-Star outfielder.
• Byron Buxton (Minnesota Twins): Buxton is another intriguing possibility for the center field role, known for his elite defense and high-upside offensive potential, though injury concerns remain a factor in any potential trade talks.

The Mets are also monitoring top free agent Kyle Tucker and Cody Bellinger, but trade acquisitions like Robert Jr. would provide the necessary long-term control that Stearns prioritizes over immediate, costly free-agent deals.

The Mets' Trade Chips: Who Could Be Moved Next?

To acquire the elite talent they seek, the Mets will need to part with valuable assets. While the farm system is deep, the team is also reportedly willing to move established, yet non-essential, Major League players to facilitate deals and clear salary space for future moves.

3. Listening on a Promising Pitcher

The most intriguing and secretive rumor involves the Mets listening to trade offers for a "promising pitcher." While the identity is not confirmed, this suggests that no one outside of the core, untouchable young talent is safe.

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• David Peterson: One name that has surfaced as a potential trade piece is left-hander David Peterson. As the Mets look to solidify their rotation, Peterson’s value as a controllable starting pitcher could be maximized in a trade for a premium position player. Trade packages involving Peterson have been rumored as a way to fill the void left by Alonso.

This willingness to trade a controllable young arm underscores the organization’s commitment to a "win-now, win-later" philosophy, using their current depth to acquire true superstar talent.

Specific Trade Talks and Infield Upgrades

Beyond the marquee names, the Mets are involved in complex, multi-player trade discussions aimed at adding depth and versatility to the roster, particularly in the wake of the Pete Alonso and Brandon Nimmo trades.

4. Padres Trade Talks: Nick Pivetta and Ramon Laureano

The New York Mets and San Diego Padres have been engaged in persistent trade talks, with the Padres reportedly showing significant interest in Mets prospects, including high-ceiling arms like Jonah Tong. The proposed packages often involve a mix of controllable players for the Padres' side.

• Potential Returns: The Mets have been linked to a trade package from the Padres that could include pitcher Nick Pivetta, outfielder Ramon Laureano, and a controllable reliever such as Miller or Estrada. Laureano would serve as a short-term outfield add for the 2026 season, while Pivetta provides immediate rotation depth.

5. Infield Versatility and Cleanup Hitting

The Mets have already made a significant infield move by acquiring Marcus Semien for Brandon Nimmo, adding a proven veteran with versatility. However, the search for a power bat to replace Alonso continues. While a trade for a first baseman has been discussed, the Mets have also been linked to players who can fill multiple roles.

• Jorge Polanco: The Mets have reportedly secured Jorge Polanco, adding a switch-hitting infielder who provides immediate versatility at second and third base. This move gives Manager Carlos Mendoza more options and reduces the immediate pressure to find an everyday first baseman via trade.
• Kazuma Okamoto: The Mets are also monitoring international trade targets, including Japanese star Kazuma Okamoto, a power-hitting first and third baseman who could address the cleanup hitter void left by Alonso.

The 2025-2026 offseason is shaping up to be one of the most active in Mets history. David Stearns is clearly leveraging the team's prospect depth and financial resources to transform the roster. Whether they land a true ace like Tarik Skubal or a superstar outfielder like Luis Robert Jr., the Mets are positioned to make multiple blockbuster deals that will dramatically alter their chances for the 2026 season and beyond.