Ranking Mets Trade Candidates If They Sell At MLB Trade Deadline

[Michael Reed]

Image courtesy of © Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

After a 12-game losing streak at the beginning of the season, the New York Mets have still been unable to dig themselves out of that hole, and questions about the upcoming trade deadline loom.

The Mets have less than two months to better their record of 34-44, third-worst in the National League, lest they face a roster overhaul at the deadline. Similar to 2023, this roster has largely underachieved and David Stearns would not be shy to shed payroll and acquire players for the future like Billy Eppler did, especially with a 2027 lockout on the horizon.

This is not a roster that have been around each other for years, so gutting the clubhouse will not be an issue here. If the Mets can not right the ship come August 3, there is a good chance most of these trade candidates will be moved.

Ranking Mets Trade Chips

We'll rank these players by group, starting with those who are almost certain to be gone if the Mets wind up as sellers.

Will Be Traded

SP Freddy Peralta

Expiring Contract

2026 stats: 85.2 IP, 83 K, 4.83 ERA, 3.85 xERA

Peralta was dealt to Queens for SP Brandon Sproat and IF Jett Williams during this past offseason. The results have not been stellar (his latest start, a 10-run blow-up against the Phillies, didn't help) but name value alone should get him moved for a decent prospect package. His 2025 season was the best version of himself to date, logging career highs in wins, innings pitched, and ERA+. Teams will look to get that version of Peralta into their rotation in hopes of a postseason run.

Teams like the Cubs, Cardinals, White Sox, Rays and A’s will come calling for the 30-year-old All-Star.

RP Brooks Raley

Expiring Contract

2026 stats: 30 G, 2.00 ERA, 207 ERA+, 10.3 SO/9

Raley has been reliable and dominant for the Mets out of the bullpen this year. The ninth-year veteran has been largely reliable over his career, especially since arriving in New York prior to the 2023 season; in four years with the Mets, he has a 2.36 ERA with a 177 ERA+. Teams would love to bring in a veteran southpaw who is on a expiring, low-AAV deal to bolster their bullpen.  

RP Huascar Brazoban

Under Contract Through 2029

2026 Stats: 32 G, 1.91 ERA, 216 ERA+, 0.956 WHIP

Brazobán’s value could potentially be bigger than people may think. He has been largely reliable in his Mets tenure and is under contract until 2030. There is nothing more that teams love than controllable arms and if the price is right, the Mets could end up with a quality prospect or two in exchange for the 36-year-old right-hander.

RP A.J. Minter

Expiring Contract

2026 Stats: 9 G, 0.00 ERA, 7 K, 0 BB

Minter’s season has just begun after recovering from a severe left lat tear that sidelined him for over a year. In eight innings so far, Minter has yet to give up an earned run. Like Raley, Minter’s track record over the years is good for him to be wanted at the deadline by southpaw-needy teams.

Could Be Traded

RP Luke Weaver

Under Contract Through 2027

2026 stats: 30 G, 2.25 ERA, 184 ERA+, 33/8 K/BB

Luke Weaver has not given up an earned run since April 30 — the phones will ringing for him. However, with another year on the books for Weaver with the Mets, they could just hold onto him and try to contend again next year. The right-hander has proven with both New York teams that the spotlight does not harm his talent, and you can be sure that David Stearns will take that into account come the deadline. Suitors will line up for Weaver, and it will be fascinating how Stearns handles his market.

RP Devin Williams

Under Contract Through 2028

2026 Stats: 27 G, 11 SV, 5.18 ERA, 14.1 SO9

Devin Williams has had a shaky season to say the least. He has had some streaks of dominant performances but has been largely unreliable for the Mets. A return to a smaller-market team would work wonders for Williams, but the Mets would have to eat some of his contract to get the return they would want.

SP Clay Holmes

Expiring Contract, 2027 Player Option

2026 Stats: 9 G, 2.39 ERA, 172 ERA+, 1.101 WHIP

Holmes is currently recovering from a fractured right fibula but is scheduled to throw July 1 and could be in line to return to the Mets prior to the deadline. Holmes is under arguably one of the best contracts in baseball and is Stearns' best signing to date with how well he has performed. Should Holmes return to being healthy and dominant prior to the deadline, teams will flock to acquire him.

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