It's no secret that the New York Mets will be sellers ahead of Major League Baseball's trade deadline on August 3.
As they resume play on Thursday, the Mets sit in the basement of the NL East with a 40-57 record, while also being 12 games out of the last Wild Card spot in the National League. Although president of baseball operations David Stearns initially refused to wave the white flag, it was inevitable that he would change course. The question later became how much New York would put up for sale.
That question was answered today by SNY's Chelsea Janes. According to a rival executive, the Mets are putting just five players off limits: outfielders Juan Soto, Carson Benge and A.J Ewing, and starting pitchers Nolan McLean and Christian Scott. Everyone else may be available for the right price, even if they don't end up sold by the deadline.
With this in mind, arguably the Mets' most attractive trade chips are starting pitcher Clay Holmes as well as relievers Luke Weaver, Huascar Brazoban and A.J. Minter.
Holmes is an interesting case because he's currently on the injured list with a fractured fibula, but he is nearing a rehab assignment and looked fantastic when healthy.
In nine starts before going on the shelf, the 33-year-old righty logged 52.2 innings with a 2.39 ERA and 3.21 FIP while striking out 45 batters. Holmes can opt out of his contract after this season, which is why he'd theoretically be available. However, he's reportedly open to signing a contract extension with the Mets, so there's a chance he's off limits as well.
Either one of Weaver and Brazoban are certain to be dealt, as they've both enjoyed strong seasons and are under contract beyond 2026. Weaver has a robust 1.85 ERA and 2.49 FIP in 37 appearances, while Brazoban has a 2.76 ERA and 3.47 FIP in 39 games; the former has a great combination of strikeout stuff and control, and the latter is highly proficient at inducing ground balls. Nonetheless, the Mets would presumably like to keep one of them if they trade the other, or vice versa.
The Mets also have multiple players who will hit free agency after the season, notably starting pitcher Freddy Peralta, and relievers Brooks Raley and Minter. Raley carries a 2.04 ERA and 36 strikeouts in 39 games, while Minter has looked fantastic since returning from injury, pitching 19 innings and walking just one batter while striking out 17. Peralta has been a huge disappointment this season with a 4.66 ERA in 20 starts, but his dominance in the past should still make him an interesting rental option/bounce-back candidate.
Why Isn't Francisco Lindor Listed as Off Limits?
When Janes reported the list of players the Mets refuse to field offers for (according to the anonymous executive), an extremely notable omission was shortstop Francisco Lindor.
However, this was likely an oversight by the executive, as all signs point to Lindor being off limits as well.
The 32-year-old superstar, who has five years and $155 million left on the 10-year, $341 million contract he signed in 2021, has consistently refused to discuss the possibility of waiving his no-trade clause (although he interestingly said "no comment" instead of flatly saying he refuses to waive it). Mets owner Steve Cohen additionally told Jon Heyman and Joel Sherman of the New York Post that he doesn't see Lindor leaving Queens.
As such, Lindor can also be added to the players the Mets would not consider moving. But outside of those players, it appears New York will at least listen to any offers that comes their way as they look to try again in 2027.
