Three pillars of the New York Mets’ core have fallen in rapid succession. Edwin Díaz is gone, Pete Alonso was never seriously pursued, and now uncertainty surrounds Francisco Lindor’s future. What once looked like a stable, big-money foundation is suddenly cracking, triggering an identity shift that few saw coming. As the Mets’ situation worsens, other teams are paying close attention. In San Diego, A.J. Preller is watching closely, quietly aligning the Padres for a potential Lindor opportunity, even as one major hurdle remains unresolved: a $280 million contract that could define the next move.

The Padres are hearing offers for Mason Miller and Nick Pivetta, but there could be a better deal on the table. And it involves the Mets.

“If you’re trading Pivetta and Mason Miller, you have to try and attach Bogaerts’ deal to that to get players + money back,” wrote the Devine Sports Gospel. “There’s one player and one team with a filthy rich, which makes a lot of sense as the trade partner.”

Francisco Lindor‘s situation with the Mets has intensified after reports of clubhouse tension. A former GM suggested Lindor could seek a move following concerns raised last season. Speculation grew as fans questioned the stability of leadership after several key players were recently lost.

Reports linked the tension to broader issues that surfaced after Juan Soto arrived. Claims of friction involving Jeff McNeil added further weight to the circulating uncertainty. These factors created doubts about Lindor’s future despite his strong 2025 performance season.

The San Diego Padres were linked to a trade because A.J. Preller explored shedding Xander Bogaerts’ contract. Bogaerts is owed $25.4 million annually through 8 seasons after recent struggles there. His production declined across multiple seasons, which increased pressure on the Padres’ payroll commitments. These circumstances aligned with speculation that San Diego could revisit large contract exits.

The Mets lost Pete Alonso and Brandon Nimmo, and now face uncertainty around Lindor. Their roster gaps leave spending opportunities, which could tempt them toward unexpected trade paths. San Diego may view this moment as a chance to move expensive commitments.

Lindor’s name in trade chatter shows how fragile the Mets’ supposed foundation became recently. Even the Padres sense opportunity as Xander Bogaerts‘ contract tests their patience and creativity today. If Mets turmoil invites bold offers, then Lindor might accidentally headline baseball’s strangest winter.

Bogaerts might leave, but one player will never leave the Padres

San Diego has made a mess of plenty of things lately, but there’s one line they refuse to cross. You can float trade rumors, poke at the payroll, or wonder how the front office keeps a straight face, but the Padres know precisely who they can’t afford to lose. And no, we’re not talking about Xander Bogaerts.

Trade rumors around Fernando Tatis Jr. grew as payroll questions surrounded San Diego. A.J. Preller shut down that talk, stating that Tatis was not available this time. The rumors started because his contract carries 9 years and $286 million remaining today. Fans tracked each update closely as reports confirmed Preller repeated the same message today.

Talk around Xander Bogaerts surfaced because his future depends on payroll flexibility discussions. His situation added tension, although officials insisted Tatis would stay regardless of movement. Preller reiterated that stance while trade speculation continued to link Bogaerts to possible changes. Fans followed both storylines closely as confirmed statements kept Tatis firmly in place.

The Padres know their reality, and Tatis remains the one pillar they protect fiercely. Even if Bogaerts leaves, San Diego keeps signaling that its core identity stays untouched. In a winter full of noise, Tatis still shapes everything the Padres consider essential.