Mets Showed Interest in Pair of Cardinals Core Players, Per Insider

New York explored trades for Brendan Donovan and Lars Nootbaar before landing other targets.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 12:47pm

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According to a report, the New York Mets expressed interest in trading for St. Louis Cardinals players Brendan Donovan and Lars Nootbaar earlier this offseason. However, the Mets ended up acquiring other outfielders like Luis Robert and Bo Bichette, making Donovan and Nootbaar less likely trade targets for New York. The Cardinals have been open to moving some of their core players this winter as they look to retool their roster.

Why it matters

The Cardinals have been active in the trade market this offseason, dealing away veterans like Nolan Arenado, Sonny Gray and Willson Contreras. Donovan and Nootbaar were seen as potential trade chips, and the interest from the Mets shows their value around the league. However, with the Mets landing other targets, the Cardinals may have to look elsewhere to find a trade partner for Donovan and/or Nootbaar.

The details

According to the report, the Mets explored trades for Donovan and Nootbaar, along with other outfielders like Steven Kwan, Ramón Laureano and Harrison Bader. However, the Mets ultimately landed Luis Robert and Bo Bichette, making Donovan and Nootbaar less likely trade targets. The Cardinals have been seeking young, controllable pitching in any potential trades, and a deal with the Mets could have provided that. But with spring training approaching, it seems more likely that Donovan and Nootbaar will remain in St. Louis unless the Cardinals receive a compelling offer.

  • The Cardinals have been active in the trade market this offseason.
  • The Mets explored trades for Donovan and Nootbaar earlier this offseason.

The players

Brendan Donovan

A second baseman for the St. Louis Cardinals who has drawn trade interest from other teams this offseason.

Lars Nootbaar

An outfielder for the St. Louis Cardinals who has also been the subject of trade talks this offseason.

New York Mets

A National League East team that had interest in trading for Donovan and Nootbaar earlier this offseason before acquiring other targets.

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What they’re saying

“Other outfielders such as Steven Kwan (Cleveland Guardians), Lars Nootbar (St. Louis Cardinals), Brendan Donovan (St. Louis Cardinals), Ramón Laureano (San Diego Padres) and Harrison Bader (free agent at the time who agreed to a deal with the San Francisco Giants) were all in play for the Mets, league sources said, though the likelihood of acquiring any of them varied.”

— Will Sammon, Reporter (The Athletic)

What’s next

With spring training approaching, it seems more likely that Donovan and Nootbaar will remain with the Cardinals unless the team receives a compelling trade offer.

The takeaway

The Cardinals' willingness to trade core players like Donovan and Nootbaar shows their desire to retool their roster this offseason, even if it means parting with talented young players. The Mets' interest in the duo highlights their value around the league, but the Cardinals may have to look elsewhere to find a trade partner if they want to move either player.