The New York Mets traded nearly a third of their roster at the MLB trade deadline, which signaled an organizational pivot by president of baseball operations David Stearns.
The Mets dealt all of their expiring contracts: Freddy Peralta, Clay Holmes (player option for 2027), Brooks Raley, A.J. Minter and Tyrone Taylor. They also traded players with control: Luke Weaver (under contract in 2027) and Huascar Brazoban (three more years of arbitration).
The team didn't trade superstar shortstop Francisco Lindor, who has five years and over $160 million remaining on the 10-year, $341 million extension he signed in 2021. That being said, it's fair to question Lindor's future with the Mets beyond this season.
There is growing industry belief that a conversation regarding Lindor's long-term future with the Mets will take center stage this winter. Following the team's massive roster reset at the deadline, sources close to the situation expect both sides to thoroughly evaluate the offseason blueprint moving forward.
The industry consensus is that both sides will have to align on whether the Mets are rebuilding or retooling for next season.
Lindor has a full no-trade clause and must approve any deal if the Mets attempt to ship him out in the offseason.
However, if the Mets expect to compete in 2027, it's hard to envision them doing so without their franchise shortstop. There's currently no player in the farm system that is waiting in the wings to take over at the position, nor will the Mets be able to find a better replacement on the open market.
Lindor, 32, has had a rough season filled with injuries this year. But he is still one of the best shortstops in baseball when healthy.
The Mets acquired 12 prospects at the deadline and some of them could be flipped for major league talent in the offseason. Keeping Lindor and adding big-leaguers via trade and free agency next year shouldn't be out of the question.
There has also been plenty of noise surrounding the said to be rocky relationship between Lindor and superstar outfielder Juan Soto, who is signed to a 15-year, $765 million deal. Per Jorge Castillo of ESPN, the two players have warmed up to each other after now former Mets pitcher Freddy Peralta arranged a meeting between the two of them back in June.
The Mets must decide what their future looks like this winter. Does it involve building around Lindor and Soto? Does it involve a rebuild or a retool in 2027? Will they trade Lindor? Those are the decisions that the organization must make following the season.
Stearns let Pete Alonso and Edwin Diaz walk in free agency, and traded Brandon Nimmo and Jeff McNeil last winter. He brought in Peralta, Bo Bichette, Jorge Polanco, Luis Robert Jr., Devin Williams, Luke Weaver and others. Despite having the second highest payroll in baseball ($380 million), It has not worked out, resulting in a 48-66 record.
The Mets are on the verge of missing out on the postseason for the second straight season for the first time under team owner Steve Cohen. They will be looking for a new manager this offseason after firing Carlos Mendoza in June.
