Mets linked to trade for Cardinals' .747 OPS outfielder as Kyle Tucker backup plan

Matt Sullivan

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Mets linked to trade for Cardinals' .747 OPS outfielder as Kyle Tucker backup plan image

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The New York Mets have been one of the biggest spenders in recent years, and this offseason looks to be no different. Devin Williams, Marcus Semien, Luke Weaver, and Jorge Polanco all have come to the Mets this offseason.

While they've lost Pete Alonso and Edwin Diaz this offseason, the Mets aren't going to stop spending now. The Mets have a reported $50 million AAV offer for Kyle Tucker on the table, and have shown serious interest in Cody Bellinger as well.

But, with the Toronto Blue Jays the favorites for Tucker, and the New York Yankees still in hot pursuit of Bellinger, what would the Mets do if they miss on both? ESPN's Jeff Passan revealed one backup plan for the Mets that's worth watching this winter.

Mets linked to Cardinals OF as Kyle Tucker backup plan

"Whether it's trading for Freddy Peralta or potentially Tarik Skubal on the pitching side or someone who would require less in return on the hitting side (Lars Nootbaar is worth watching), the Mets are one of the few teams that can get whoever they want," Passan writes.

While a player like Tarik Skubal or Freddy Peralta would cost a ton to trade for, if the Mets explore the trade market for a Bellinger and Tucker pivot, it wouldn't cost nearly as much.

Passan links them to St. Louis Cardinals veteran outfielder Lars Nootbaar, who has a career.747 OPS in five seasons in St. Louis.

He's not the most prolific hitter, nor is he the best fielder. But, overall, he wouldn't be a terrible option for the Mets in 2026 if they miss out on Tucker and Bellinger.

More: Mets get Kyle Tucker news in free agency

He's 28 years old and has two more seasons of club control left. Nootbaar is not a rental and would be a decent addition to the lineup without costing the Mets an arm and a leg to swing a deal.

While not the exciting addition of Tucker or Bellinger, Nootbaar would be a relatively cheap trade option for David Stearns and company.

Nootbaar is a starting-caliber outfielder, and with the Cardinals selling off the majority of their veterans this offseason, the Mets jumping into the fray for Nootbaar would hardly be surprising.

Passan linking the Mets to Nootbaar, and noting this link is "worth watching," is a very noteworthy report. While the Mets aren't interested just yet, if they lose out on the top free agents, Passan's report expects the Mets to get involved in Nootbaar's trade market.

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