NY Mets rumors: Cardinals star slugger mentioned as possible trade target

The New York Mets are going to bring in help at the first base position after failing to adequately replace former franchise star Pete Alonso. The options in free agency are rather limited this offseason, which is why it makes sense for the Mets to explore the trade market for an upgrade.

One name I have heard as a potential trade target for the Mets this winter is St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Alec Burleson. The soon to be 28-year-old is coming off the best year of his career, and is certainly a fit as an everyday first base option for the Mets.

Why Alec Burleson would be perfect for the Mets

Since 2024, Burleson has gotten better in each season. Last year, he broke out by slashing .279/.343/.473 with a .816 OPS, 131 OPS+, 26 home runs, 116 RBI and a 3.7 bWAR. The Mets would love to have this type of pop at first base again after sorely missing Alonso's power last season.

Burleson comes along with two more years of arbitration, so the Mets would be getting more than just one season of his production. And although he is a left-handed bat, Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns told reporters at GM Meetings that they're open to a lefty hitting first baseman if it's the right fit.

The Mets do already have lefty bat Jared Young, who hits right-handed pitching well and had a solid campaign in 2026. But Young would be better utilized as a bench bat/utility player, as opposed to one side of a first base platoon.

The only dilemma is that like Young, Burleson also struggles against left-handed pitching. That being said, the overall numbers that Burleson puts up should negate any concerns the Mets may have. He also batted .358 with a .934 OPS with runners in scoring position last season.

If the opportunity presents itself for the Mets to get a relatively young and productive everyday first baseman such as Burleson they should pounce. The only question that remains is regarding what the Mets would have to give up to acquire him.

Following a busy trade deadline of selling off major league pieces, the Mets replenished their farm system and now have chips they can move. As previously mentioned, Burleson has two more years of club control, so he might cost a little bit more to land via trade. That being said, the Mets are pretty loaded on infield prospects and should be able to get a deal done for Burleson if the Cardinals choose to move him.

The Mets made a mistake last offseason by not trading for first baseman Willson Contreras, who was also with the Cardinals. This winter, they should circle back to see if they can strike a deal to acquire Burleson from St. Louis.

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