Mets: How realistic are SNY’s pair of Nolan Arenado trade ideas?

SNY is one of the top sources for New York Mets news, speculation, and trade ideas. Recently, they proposed two trade ideas for star third baseman Nolan Arenado.

As MLB’s hot stove continues to heat up, the New York Mets find themselves in the middle of several interesting rumors. The newly cemented Steve Cohen area has allowed the franchise to remain in contention for top free agents Trevor Bauer and George Springer.

Additionally, the team has been connected as a possible trade destination for All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor and Kris Bryant.

Recently, another interesting former All-Star reentered into the trade rumors: Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado. SNY reported that Colorado “wants to engage” the Mets in talks for their star. Should the Mets great this request, what is the best offer they should consider making? Let’s discuss:

The Trade Options

In addition to their initial report, the New York-based sports news network also posted two suggested trades for the five-time All-Star to land in Flushing. Both are simultaneously fascinating and strange.

The first trade saw Arenado being sent to New York in exchange for Jeurys Familia, JD Davis, and Josh Wolf. The second involved Brandon Nimmo, Brett Baty, and (wait for it…) Robinson Cano to Colorado in a swap for the third baseman.

For the record, I would take both of these deals if I were the Mets. The second option seems much too low an offer. Nimmo appears to be on the cusp of losing his starting role, while Baty would be less valuable should the team acquire a long-term player to man the hot corner. The idea of moving Cano’s contract is the icing on the cake.

The first option is less ideal, but still a good trade for the Mets. Davis is an interesting player, but he has only recorded one stellar season in his career. Familia is an afterthought. Wolf is the team’s 9th best prospect. However, I could make peace with moving him.

The Concerns

Why would the asking price be so low for a former MVP candidate and eight-time Gold Glove winner? As good as Arenado is at his peak, there are reasons for concern. The veteran infielder is coming off of one of the poorest seasons of his career. The Rockies’ star hit for a .253 average, eight home runs, and 26 RBI over the course of the 60-game shortened season. While he, like several other star players, may have suffered by the interrupted spring/summer training time and other pandemic issues, these numbers cannot be ignored.

Additionally, Arenado has had the benefit of playing his entire eight-year career with the home park advantage of Coors Field. It is almost certain that his power and overall hitting numbers would suffer if he left the thin Denver air.

While money seems like less of an issue under the new ownership regime, Arenado does carry a massive eight-year, $260 million contract. This deal carries him through his age 35 season in 2026.

The 29-year-old is still in his career prime and would still be one of the most dangerous defensive third baseman in the league for several seasons to come. However, would also be one of the most expensive despite closing in of the wrong side of 30.

The Offer

Assuming that the Rockies turn down the two aforementioned trades (and I expect they would), I would offer the following deal as my best offer.

While this trade involves the Mets parting with two MLB-ready bats, it lands the Mets a cornerstone player for the next several seasons. It also eliminates logjam in the outfield and drastically improves the infield defense.

SNY’s most interesting component is the inclusion of Cano. While I am skeptical that the Rockies would consider taking on second baseman, they may be willing to consider the move to part ways with Arenado’s contract. In my mind, this would make the deal with it for New York.

I expect Nimmo and Davis would both thrive under the unique conditions in Coors Field. It would also be difficult seeing both players in a different uniform. However, this deal would allow the Rockies to revamp while the Mets would simultaneously solve several problems without parting ways with any major farm system pieces.

Valdez, a right fielder and international free agent the team signed in 2018, is a middle-tier prospect who could be included as a sweetener.

While I assume this offer makes me higher on Arenado suiting up in blue and orange than others, this trade would make the Mets better at the beginning of the 2020s. They would gain a solid hitter, an all-world defender, and a veteran leader. They would also simultaneously eliminate a logjam caused by the lack of a universal DH.

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What do you think about this type of trade for Nolan Arenado?