If the Mets want to make a trade for Nolan Arenado, they better act fast.
The St. Louis Cardinals have emerged as a suitor for the Colorado Rockies third baseman, according to a Sunday evening report from Jon Morosi of MLB Network and MLB.com.
Arenado has drawn interest from the Cardinals over recent days, and the Rockies have conducted "preliminary" negotiations on a trade with St. Louis for Colorado's five-time All-Star, according to Morosi.
The 28-year-old Arenado is a seven-time Gold Glove Award winner and a four-time Silver Slugger, slashing .295/.351/.546 with 227 home runs and 734 RBI in 1,031 games through seven MLB seasons from 2013-19.
While the Cardinals have emerged for Arenado, the Texas Rangers and Atlanta Braves are also expressing interest, according to Morosi. However, as of now, the Rangers appear to be more serious than the Braves, Morosi added.
Although the Mets have not had any reported discussions with the Rockies for Arenado, New York makes sense as a potential suitor.
The Mets have inquired with the Houston Astros and Cleveland Indians about shortstops Carlos Correa and Francisco Lindor, respectively, but with Amed Rosario already at shortstop, a move for Arenado -- paired opposite first baseman Pete Alonso -- would move Jeff McNeil to left field and create a loaded lineup.