Mets Pursue Cardinals’ Willson Contreras in Trade Talks

The New York Mets, still reeling from losing slugger Pete Alonso to the Baltimore Orioles, are scrambling for a new middle-of-the-order presence. Their latest target: St. Louis Cardinals catcher and corner bat Willson Contreras, a three-time All-Star with power, on-base skills, and defensive versatility that could shake up the Mets’ lineup.

Mets Target Willson Contreras to Replace Pete Alonso’s Power

Alonso’s exit leaves a huge hole in the heart of the Mets’ order, especially from the right side. The front office jumped into the trade market, focusing talks with the Cardinals on Contreras.

Why the Mets Are Zeroing In on a Right-Handed Bat

New York needs more than a stopgap. They want someone proven, a hitter who can handle New York’s pressure and carry the lineup through cold spells.

That’s where Contreras comes in. Heading into his age-34 season, he brings experience, power, and positional flexibility that few other bats offer right now.

With Alonso gone, the Mets’ right-handed pop behind Francisco Lindor and others suddenly looks pretty thin. Contreras’ competitive edge and track record make him a natural fit as the club figures out its next steps.

Inside the Mets–Cardinals Trade Talks

The Cardinals have said they’re open for business with several veterans. They’re not just listening—they’re actively working to reshape their roster, and the Mets are one of the most serious suitors.

St. Louis’ Selling Mode Opens the Door

According to MLB.com reporter John Denton, St. Louis has fielded calls on utility man Brendan Donovan and left-hander JoJo Romero. But it’s Willson Contreras who’s drawn the most interest from Queens.

The Cardinals are also exploring options involving star third baseman Nolan Arenado, showing just how open they are to reworking their core. No deal is done yet, but the framework is clear: the Cardinals want to move veterans, and the Mets want Contreras.

Contreras is expected to waive his no-trade clause to head to New York, signaling he’s open to the bright lights and pressure of Citi Field.

Willson Contreras’ Contract and Production Profile

Trading for a player in his mid-30s always means weighing performance against cost. Contreras’ contract is significant, but for a big-market team like the Mets, it’s not out of reach.

The Financials: Two Guaranteed Years Plus an Option

Contreras has two guaranteed years left on his deal, worth $36.5 million, with a club option for 2028 at $17.5 million. For a catcher/first baseman with his résumé, that’s a hefty, but not outrageous, investment.

On the field in 2024, he kept producing. In 135 games with St. Louis, Contreras posted a .257/.344/.447 slash line, with:

That kind of profile—power, on-base skills, and durability—is exactly what the Mets lost when Alonso left for Baltimore.

Positional Versatility: More Than Just a Catcher

Contreras gets labeled as a catcher, but in today’s game, his value goes way beyond that.

First Base Experience and Defensive Flexibility

In 2024, Contreras played 120 games at first base and caught 50 games. That split shows he can handle a regular workload without wearing down from catching every day.

He’s even played some outfield in the past, though word is the Mets probably won’t use him there. Instead, his most likely roles in New York would be:

How Contreras Could Change the Mets’ Offense

For a team trying to stay in the NL East race, adding a proven bat isn’t just smart—it’s a must. Contreras checks a lot of boxes the Mets can’t ignore.

A Three-Time All-Star With New York Fit

As a three-time All-Star, Contreras has shown he can handle big moments. He brings a fiery on-field edge and isn’t shy about stepping up as a leader.

That’s exactly the kind of attitude the Mets could use while they search for a new identity after Alonso. If the Mets go for a deal, they won’t just get a right-handed bat—they’ll get a veteran who can steady the lineup and give the manager more options.

Contreras could really change the dynamic in New York, both on the field and in the clubhouse. Maybe he’s the kind of player who helps define what comes next for the Mets.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Mets showing interest in Cardinals’ Willson Contreras: reports