Mets Trade Idea Would Send $14 Million All-Star to New York in Three-Player Swap

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The New York Mets have a huge hole to fill at first base before the 2025 regular season gets underway. While re-signing four-time All-Star slugger Pete Alonso might make the most sense, could president of baseball operations David Stearns try to trade for San Diego Padres hit machine Luis Arráez? It would be an interesting way to fill this area of the roster. Arráez has spent time at all four infield positions throughout his career. This includes suiting up for 69 games at first base in 2024 while splitting time between the Padres and Miami Marlins. SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 01: Luis Arraez #4 of the San Diego Padres celebrates after hitting a single against AJ Smith-Shawver #32 of the Atlanta Braves during the first inning in Game One of… SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 01: Luis Arraez #4 of the San Diego Padres celebrates after hitting a single against AJ Smith-Shawver #32 of the Atlanta Braves during the first inning in Game One of the Wild Card Series at Petco Park on October 01, 2024 in San Diego, California. Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images San Diego has discussed the possibility of trading Arráez. What might it take for the Mets to bring the three-time All-Star to Queens? BALLCAP Sports’ Jim Riley put together the following hypothetical trade proposal: – Mets receive: infielder Luis Arráez – Padres receive: outfielder Tyrone Taylor and right-handed pitcher Blade Tidwell Taylor is best utilized as a fourth outfielder. Tidwell is the Mets’ eighth-best prospect, according to MLB.com. While Arráez won’t protect outfielder Juan Soto in the lineup like Alonso could, his ability to set the table for the middle of the order is elite. Inserting a three-time batting champion into New York’s leadoff spot ahead of Soto, shortstop Francisco Lindor and third baseman Mark Vientos would be tough on opposing pitchers. Arráez is estimated to earn $13.7 million in 2025, his last year of arbitration. Spotrac is currently projecting his market value for a long-term deal at nine years and $154 million. More MLB: Free-Agent Slugger Pete Alonso Predicted to Sign With National League Team