Mets named top landing spot for Astros' $115 million MVP candidate to pair with Juan Soto originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Amid a 12-game losing streak, the New York Mets are in need of an offensive boost.
Luckily, superstar outfielder Juan Soto is expected back in the lineup after missing 15 games due to a right calf strain. Soto's return should help, but the lineup remains filled with numerous question marks.
If the Mets are unable to end their struggles anytime soon, they could end up selling at the trade deadline. Still, they could make a move for the future and acquire a MVP candidate from the Houston Astros.
Bleacher Report's Zachary D. Rymer listed the Mets as the top landing spot for Astros DH/outfielder Yordan Alvarez, who leads the Majors with 10 home runs and 24 RBIs after an injury-riddled 2025.
"To the latter end, a Soto-Alvarez pairing would rival any in MLB," Rymer wrote Wednesday. "And it wouldn't just be a play for 2026, as the two of them would be guaranteed to stay together for at least two more seasons."
Including 2026, Alvarez is owed $26 million in each of the next three seasons with the Astros. When healthy, he is one of the best hitters in baseball. From 2021-24, Alvarez hit 31 or more homers and posted an OPS of .959 or higher three times.
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The Mets' strong farm system could help them facilitate a trade for Alvarez if they manage to right the ship and Houston's struggles continue.
"If the Mets are in a buying mood, however, money is no longer the Mets' only advantage," Rymer added. "David Stearns has done good work in the farm system, which notably features an attractive swing-and-miss arm belonging to Jonah Tong."
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