The former Met began the final year of his contract in St. Louis with two scoreless innings and a brief look at a new cutter and curve.

St. Louis Cardinals' Nolan Arenado bats during the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the New York Mets, Monday, Feb. 24, 2025, in Jupiter, Fla. (AP Photo/Jeff

New York Mets' Pete Alonso doubles during the third inning of a spring training baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals Monday, Feb. 24, 2025, in Jupiter, Fla. (AP Photo/Jeff

The Cardinals received three runs on a home run from designated hitter Luken Baker in their 7-4 Grapefruit League win over the New York Mets on Monday at Roger Dean

Arenado's preferred list of trade destinations included the Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox, San Diego Padres, Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets. While New York has shown a willingness to be aggressive,

St. Louis Cardinals' Willson Contreras swings during the third inning of a spring training baseball game against the New York Mets Monday, Feb. 24, 2025, in Jupiter, Fla. (AP Photo/Jeff

The former Met began the final year of his contract in St. Louis with two scoreless innings and a brief look at a new cutter and curve.

Listen LIVE as the New York Mets take on the St. Louis Cardinals in Jupiter, FL. Spring Training; Spring Training Webcast; St. Louis Cardinals

Nolan Arenado and Starling Marte are in similar situations during spring training. However, the Mets outfielder has chosen a different approach than the Cardinals star regarding trade rumors.

- New York Mets relief pitcher Adam Ottavino celebrates after striking out St. Louis Cardinals' Alec Burleson to end a baseball game Tuesday, May 7, 2024, in St. Louis.

The former Met began the final year of his contract in St. Louis with two scoreless innings and a brief look at a new cutter and curve.

After 25-year-old third baseman Mark Vientos posted 135 OPS+ in his second full MLB season for New York, the Mets never made much sense for Arenado. This became even more unlikely when New York re-signed slugging first baseman Pete Alonso, removing the possibility of Vientos sliding to first and opening up third for Arenado.