Unless the Mets flex financially and sign Kyle Tucker or Cody Bellinger in free agency, a trade will be New York’s best way to acquire a starting outfielder this offseason.

While names like Steven Kwan, Jake Meyers, Jarren Duran and Byron Buxton have floated around already this winter, two more possibilities emerged this week.

Will Sammon of The Athletic reports that the Mets “hold some interest” in Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar.

According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Mets have “inquired” with the White Sox about Luis Robert Jr.

Robert has been linked to the Mets before. He’s two years removed from 38-homer season with the White Sox where he posted an .857 OPS and produced elite quality of contact.

Since then, however, Robert’s numbers have declined and his propensity to swing and miss, chase and strike out remain a glaring concern. Last year with the White Sox, Robert had a career-worst .223 batting average and .661 OPS with just 14 homers in 110 games.

Robert’s value has dipped precipitously over the years, but Chicago will still hold a substantial price here because of Robert’s pop and potential at the plate along with his quality defense and speed. Robert stole a career-best 33 bags in 2025 and he’s one of the best in baseball at covering ground in center. The 28-year-old is also under control for two more seasons if you factor in his club option for 2027.

Heyman noted that the Mets will only surrender prospects in a Robert trade if the White Sox eat money from his $20 million salary.

“Hard-line White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf isn’t seen as likely to give money to Steve Cohen’s team,” Heyman wrote.

If that doesn’t change, it doesn’t seem like these two teams will be able to match up before Opening Day. Besides, Robert’s regression in recent years should make the Mets think twice before parting with young talent to make him their center fielder.

As for Nootbaar, the St. Louis outfielder profiles as a Brandon Nimmo replacement in left field, but he would be a risk. The 28-year-old had surgery on both of his heels a few months ago and it’s unclear if he’ll be ready to go for the start of next season.

With the Mets prioritizing run prevention, Nootbaar’s defense and durability issues might make New York hesitant here. He’s under control for two seasons, but Nootbaar has never played in more than 135 games and he was considered a below average defender in left field last year with poor arm value and weak range.

Offensively, Nootbaar is coming off a down year where he slashed .234/.325/.361. His metrics at the plate suggest he has untapped potential and can be a legit on-base threat, but he’s never hit more than 14 homers in a season so he won’t help the Mets as they strive to make up for Pete Alonso’s power production.