The New York Mets have stumbled through a season that hasn't gone according to plan, and now rumors are swirling about a potential trade that could make things even worse. Recent chatter suggests the Mets might be considering a deal with the Boston Red Sox for an outfielder—but it would require taking on infielder Trevor Story and his hefty salary in the process.

Let's be clear: bringing Trevor Story to Queens is a non-starter. Once a dynamic star with the Colorado Rockies, Story has been a shadow of his former self since joining the Red Sox. Injuries have robbed him of the power and speed that made him a two-time All-Star, and his contract has become an albatross. For a Mets team already struggling to find its footing, adding that kind of financial dead weight for a player far removed from his glory days would be a costly mistake.

But that doesn't mean the Mets and Red Sox can't do business. Another name has surfaced in trade talks: Willson Contreras. While the Mets' season has been disappointing—marked by injuries and underperformance—Contreras offers a more logical fit. He's not the same caliber of player as Pete Alonso, whom the Mets let walk to the Baltimore Orioles in a decision that's looking worse by the day. But Contreras is a versatile bat who could slot in at first base or behind the plate, providing some much-needed pop and experience.

As Tim Boyle recently noted, if Boston is ready to sell, the Mets should keep it simple: target players who can actually help. Contreras fits that description better than a package deal saddled with Story's contract. The Mets need to focus on production, not potential. They've already learned that lesson the hard way this season.

With Francisco Lindor's recent injury adding to the team's woes, the Mets can't afford to make a panic move. Swinging for a Red Sox bust would only deepen the hole. Instead, they should look for smart, targeted additions—not expensive reminders of what once was.