New York Mets are placing far more emphasis on the trade market than on pursuing high-priced free agents this offseason. While the organization continues to be loosely connected to elite names available through both trades and free agency, league insiders increasingly believe that New York’s front office views trades as the more practical and strategic path forward. Given the Mets’ well-stocked farm system and desire to reshape the roster efficiently, that approach makes considerable sense.
Rather than committing massive long-term contracts to free agents, the Mets appear open to leveraging their prospect depth and current major-league talent to land impactful players via trade. This strategy allows them to address multiple roster needs while maintaining payroll flexibility, a priority for the club as it looks to sustain long-term competitiveness.
One of the key reasons behind these reports is the Mets’ rumored interest in Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Freddy Peralta. That connection alone suggests New York is serious about improving through trades. However, if the Mets are truly prepared to make bold moves on the trade market, there is a strong argument that Cleveland Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan should rank even higher on their list of potential targets. Given New York’s ongoing need for outfield help—particularly defensively—Kwan represents an ideal fit.
The Mets’ Shift Toward Trades
The Mets’ offseason philosophy appears to be rooted in pragmatism. Free agency can be unpredictable, expensive, and restrictive, especially when long-term deals are involved. By contrast, trades offer more control, particularly for a team like New York that has accumulated a deep pool of young talent. The Mets can afford to part with prospects or even established players if it means addressing critical weaknesses on the roster.
This mindset aligns with the leadership of David Stearns, who has emphasized roster balance, defense, and sustainability over splashy signings. While the Mets are still capable of making big financial commitments when necessary, the current focus suggests a preference for calculated, high-impact trades rather than headline-grabbing free-agent deals.
A Bold Trade Concept: Senga for Kwan
One intriguing trade idea gaining traction involves the Mets dealing starting pitcher Kodai Senga, along with prospects Jonah Tong and A.J. Ewing, to the Cleveland Guardians in exchange for All-Star outfielder Steven Kwan. While such a move would undoubtedly be controversial, it reflects the type of bold decision the Mets may need to consider as they reshape their roster.
Earlier in the offseason, rumors surfaced regarding Senga’s availability, particularly amid speculation that the Mets could move him for another impact player. Though nothing materialized at the time, those whispers have not entirely disappeared, and this hypothetical deal illustrates why.
Evaluating Kodai Senga’s Situation
Kodai Senga has been a valuable contributor since arriving in Major League Baseball. He earned All-Star honors in 2023 after making 29 starts and quickly established himself as a reliable presence in the Mets’ rotation. However, his recent injury history complicates the picture. Hamstring issues have limited his availability, and over the past two seasons he has made only 23 starts combined.
At 32 years old, Senga is no longer in the early stages of his career. While he remains effective when healthy, durability concerns are increasingly relevant, especially given that he is in the middle of a five-year, $75 million contract. For a team evaluating both present and future value, that combination of age, injury history, and salary could make Senga a candidate to be moved under the right circumstances.
If the Mets decide not to trade him this offseason, it would not be surprising to see his name resurface in trade discussions heading into the 2026 season. Teams are always searching for experienced pitching, and Senga’s track record ensures he will retain market value.
The Role of Prospects in the Deal
Including Jonah Tong and A.J. Ewing in a trade package significantly boosts its appeal for Cleveland. Tong, in particular, appears close to being a full-time major leaguer. He made several starts for the Mets in 2025 and showed flashes of promise, even if he is still refining his consistency at the highest level.
From the Mets’ perspective, Tong remains one of their most attractive trade assets—young, controllable, and already tested in the majors. Ewing, while less proven, adds additional depth and upside to the deal, making it more balanced from Cleveland’s point of view.
For a Guardians team known for developing pitching and valuing young talent, this package could be compelling, especially if they believe Senga can bounce back to his All-Star form.
Why Steven Kwan Makes Sense for the Mets
Steven Kwan stands out as the centerpiece of this hypothetical trade, and it is somewhat surprising that more concrete rumors have not linked him to the Mets already. A two-time All-Star, Kwan has quietly established himself as one of the best left fielders in baseball, excelling both offensively and defensively.
One of the primary reasons Kwan fits so well in New York is his elite defense. David Stearns has repeatedly emphasized the importance of improving the team’s fielding, and Kwan embodies that philosophy. He has won a Gold Glove in every season he has played at the major-league level—a remarkable achievement that underscores his consistency and skill.
The Mets have already taken steps to enhance their defense, most notably by acquiring Marcus Semien and trading away Brandon Nimmo. Adding Kwan would further solidify the outfield and align perfectly with the organization’s new defensive identity.
Offensive Value Beyond Power
Although Steven Kwan is not known for his power—he has never recorded a season with 15 or more home runs—his offensive production should not be overlooked. He is a disciplined hitter with excellent bat-to-ball skills, and his ability to get on base consistently adds value at the top of the lineup.
In the 2025 season, Kwan posted an OPS+ of 126, indicating he was well above league average offensively. Over 156 games, he hit .272, collected 170 hits, and recorded 29 doubles. Perhaps most importantly, he reached base at a .330 clip, providing steady offensive contributions even without home-run power.
For a Mets lineup that could benefit from more contact-oriented hitters and improved on-base percentage, Kwan represents an ideal complement to their existing offensive pieces.
Long-Term Fit and Organizational Philosophy
Beyond the numbers, Kwan fits the broader organizational philosophy the Mets appear to be adopting. He is a fundamentally sound player who contributes in multiple ways, from elite defense to consistent offense and strong baseball instincts. Players like Kwan often become foundational pieces for winning teams, even if they do not always generate headlines.
Trading Senga would undoubtedly carry risks, particularly if he returns to peak form elsewhere. However, the Mets may view this as a calculated exchange—converting a potentially declining asset and surplus pitching depth into a premium everyday outfielder who addresses a clear need.
If the Mets are truly committed to reshaping their roster through trades, a deal centered around Steven Kwan should be seriously considered. While moving a pitcher of Kodai Senga’s caliber is not an easy decision, the combination of age, injury history, and contract status makes the idea more plausible than it might have seemed a year ago.
By acquiring Kwan, the Mets would significantly upgrade their outfield defense, add a reliable and productive bat, and continue aligning the roster with David Stearns’ vision of sustainable success. Whether or not this specific trade ever comes to fruition, it highlights the type of creative, aggressive thinking that may define the Mets’ offseason strategy moving forward.
