The New York Mets are gearing up for a busy trade deadline, with reports indicating they're open to discussions on most of their roster. This move comes as the team, currently sitting at 41-57, looks to make a splash before the August 3 deadline. The Mets have made it clear they're not interested in moving their core young players, including Juan Soto and the four young stars: Nolan McLean, Christian Scott, Carson Benge, and A.J. Ewing. However, this doesn't mean they're completely shutting the door on trades. Instead, they're focusing on strategic moves that could help them rebuild and reshape their roster for the future.
One of the most intriguing possibilities is the trade of big-name infielders on huge contracts. Francisco Lindor, signed for $32MM per season through 2031, is having a rough year with a .210 batting average. Despite his age (33 in November) and lack of production, Lindor's contract and full no-trade protection make him a difficult player to move. However, owner Steve Cohen acknowledged the likelihood of a trade, suggesting the Mets might be open to discussions.
Bo Bichette, on the other hand, is a more flexible option. Signed for $42MM annually for the 2027-28 seasons, Bichette can opt out after this season or next. The Mets could contemplate conditional cash considerations for future seasons if Bichette doesn't opt out, providing a potential trade chip for the right offer.
The Mets also have a few other players they could easily move, including Freddy Peralta, Clay Holmes, A.J. Minter, and Brooks Raley. These players are all impending free agents, with Holmes having a $12MM player option that he's likely to decline. Peralta, despite having his worst season since his breakout in 2021, remains a prime trade candidate due to his affordable $8MM salary and potential for a qualifying offer.
One detail that I find especially interesting is the Mets' apparent openness to trading catcher Francisco Alvarez. Alvarez, a well above-average hitter with legitimate plus power, has been nicked up over the last two seasons but remains a valuable trade chip. The Mets control Alvarez for three seasons beyond this one, and while it would be a surprise if they moved him, they seem open to the possibility of another team blowing them away.
In addition to these players, the Mets have a few other controllable trade candidates, including Huascar Brazobán, Brett Baty, Ronny Mauricio, and Mark Vientos. Brazobán, a cheap and affordable bullpen chip, has a 2.70 ERA and a league-average strikeout rate. Baty, on the other hand, is a change of scenery candidate who seems the most desirable of the trio.
The Mets are also willing to discuss players with underwater contracts, such as Jorge Polanco, Sean Manaea, Luis Robert Jr., Kodai Senga, Devin Williams, and Marcus Semien. While these players have unappealing contracts, the Mets could find a taker for Williams if they paid some of his $51MM deal down. Robert, currently rehabbing from a back injury, could net a lottery ticket type prospect if the Mets eat the remainder of his $20MM salary.
In conclusion, the Mets are gearing up for a busy trade deadline, with a focus on strategic moves that could help them rebuild and reshape their roster for the future. While they're not interested in moving their core young players, they're open to discussions on most of their roster, providing an exciting opportunity for fans and analysts alike to speculate on potential trades and moves.
