What could the New York Mets still have in the works that would surprise their fans at this point in the offseason?
The Mets traded Brandon Nimmo to the Texas Rangers and let Pete Alonso and Edwin Díaz both walk in free agency, meaning three of the club’s four longest-tenured players at the end of the season have now departed. It’s clear that the Mets want a new identity, partially from a team culture perspective, and partially to clean up what was one of the worst defenses in the sport.
New York reportedly agreed to terms with free agent infielder/designated hitter Jorge Polanco on a two-year contract this weekend, and the 32-year-old is expected to handle some first base and some DH duties.
According to Pat Ragazzo of New York Mets on SI, the Mets were open to trades for 26-year-old corner infielder Mark Vientos in the wake of the reported deal for Polanco, though it didn’t sound as if anything was close to materializing.
“The Mets are open to trading infielder/DH Mark Vientos this winter, as sources told Mets On SI,” wrote Ragazzo.
“Brett Baty stepped up to take back the third base position from Vientos last season and is likely to be the every day man at the spot in 2026. The Mets could stick Vientos at first base and DH, though they just signed Jorge Polanco to a two-year, $40 million to fill this role and move around the infield as well.”
Vientos got off to an exceptionally slow start this season, which was a disappointment considering he excelled a year ago with 27 home runs during the regular season, then announced his presence with authority at the top of the Mets lineup during the playoffs. He picked it back up as the year went along, but he still wound up with a mediocre .702 OPS and 17 homers in 121 games.
The Mets would be selling on Vientos at a low point, but if they believe Baty is firmly entrenched as their third baseman of the future, there could be a scenario where it makes some sense for roster harmony to move on from the young slugger. Still, with four years of remaining team control and Vientos on a rookie salary for one more season, a trade should not be assumed by any means.
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