The New York Mets are gearing up for a busy trade deadline, with multiple sources reporting that they are open to discussions for most of their roster. With a 41-57 record, the Mets are in a position to make some strategic moves, but they are not looking to trade their core young players, including Juan Soto, Nolan McLean, Christian Scott, Carson Benge, and A.J. Ewing. However, they are willing to discuss trades for players like Francisco Lindor, Bo Bichette, and others.
One of the most intriguing trade scenarios involves Lindor, who is signed for $32MM per season through 2031. Despite his top-10 MVP finishes from 2022-2025, Lindor's current .210/.291/.363 batting line and age of 33 make a trade unlikely. Owner Steve Cohen has acknowledged this, and Lindor's full no-trade protection as a 10-and-5 rights holder further complicates any potential move.
Bichette, on the other hand, is signed for $42MM annually for 2027-2028 with an opt-out after this season. The Mets could consider conditional cash considerations if Bichette doesn't opt out, but his .253/.297/.372 batting line and recent resurgence since June make a trade a complex decision. The Mets would need to pay down a significant portion of his contract for a middling prospect return.
The Mets also have several shorter-term trade chips, including Freddy Peralta, Clay Holmes, A.J. Minter, and Brooks Raley, who are all impending free agents. Peralta, despite having his worst season since 2021, remains a prime trade candidate with his $8MM salary and top-five Cy Young finish just a year ago. Holmes, who is recovering from a fibula fracture, is a more realistic candidate to accept a qualifying offer if proposed.
Minter and Raley are solid rental lefty relievers, with Minter's $11MM salary and Raley's $4.75MM contract making them attractive trade targets. Weaver, a 32-year-old righty, is another valuable trade chip with an extra year under contract, making him a likely deadline trade.
Among the trade candidates, Francisco Alvarez stands out as a controllable option. Despite defensive questions, Alvarez is a well-above-average hitter with legitimate plus power. The Mets control him for three seasons beyond this one, and a trade could leave them without a clear answer behind the plate in 2027.
Underwater contracts are also on the table, with players like Jorge Polanco, Sean Manaea, Luis Robert Jr., Kodai Senga, Devin Williams, and Marcus Semien available. The Mets could find takers for Williams and Robert, but the cost of their contracts may be a deterrent. Overall, the Mets are in a position to make some strategic trades, but the process is complex and requires careful consideration of player value and contract implications.
