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    Trade and free agent rumors posted here.

    16 rumors in this category

      Andres Chavez

      Many contenders are looking for catchers ahead of Monday's trade deadline, but the New York Mets are still reluctant to flip Luis Torrens, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post.

      Catchers such as Tyler Stephenson, Ryan Jeffers, and even former top overall draft pick Adley Rutschman are all rumored to be on the market on Monday ahead of the 6:00 pm ET deadline, but the Mets are happy to keep Torrens despite what they could potentially get in return.

      Heyman specifically said that the Mets have "no plans to move Luis Torrens, one of the best defensive catchers in game." Francisco Álvarez is the unquestioned starter at the position in Queens, but the organization greatly values Torrens’ contributions, particularly behind the plate.

      Torrens had, as of Monday afternoon, a career-high +12 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) behind the dish in just 479 1/3 innings, and ranks in the 95th percentile with nine runs of Fielding Run Value (FRV).

      He hasn’t produced much offensively, slashing .216/.279/.314 with two homers and a 69 wRC+ in 203 plate appearances, but he does most of his work on defense. He is not super cheap, but his salary is manageable for most contenders, as he signed a two-year, $11.5 million deal that keeps him under control through 2028. Still, the Mets don’t want to deal him and don’t have to do it, either.

      Matthew Nethercott

      The New York Mets have made a minor trade with the Dodgers. The Mets are sending Ben Rortvedt to the Dodgers for reliever Chayce McDermott. The deal was first reported by Jon Heyman of the New York Post.

      McDermott, a righty reliever, has posted a 4.55 ERA in Triple-A for the Dodgers this season before being DFA'd this week. His arsenal includes a Cutter (43.6% usage), Four-Seamer (43.6% usage), Slider (10.3% usage), and split-finger (2.6% usage) in limited MLB experience. With the number of relievers the Mets are moving or are projected to move, McDermott could make a solid impact at the MLB level for the Mets.

      Moving Rortvedt, who was claimed by the Mets this offseason from the Dodgers, will return to the place where he won a World Series in 2025 as the Dodgers sought out some help at the catcher position. Rortvedt did not make an appearance for the Mets at the big league position.

      The Mets moving a catcher could also signal that the reports from the New York Post this morning are true that the Mets are not looking to move either Luis Torrens or Francisco Alvarez.

      Matthew Nethercott

      The New York Mets were not shopping Luke Weaver at the 2026 trade deadline. Now, with the reality of how expensive the relief market is, Chealsy Janes of SNY is reporting that it's "more definitive" that the right-hander will be moved.

      Weaver has been outstanding this season. In 43.0 innings, Weaver has posted a 1.88 ERA, a 2.87 FIP, and a 4.00 K/BB ratio. Weaver was transformed into one of baseball's top relievers over the past few seasons. Weaver has experience closing in the biggest of games from his time with the Yankees, which will make him more appealing to teams. He also has another year left on his contract and is owed $12.5M in 2022.

      The New York Post reported that the Pittsburgh Pirates, New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs, and Chicago White Sox are among the teams to have varying interest in acquiring Weaver's services.

      Steve Drumwright

       

      With New York Mets right-handed starter Freddy Peralta set to depart, the only question is where he will land.

      Among the latest destinations to perk up is the Tampa Bay Rays, who lead the AL East.

      Robert Murray of FanSided said the Rays are looking for rental starting pitchers. One of those is the prize of this year's trade deadline, two-time reigning AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers, while Peralta is one of the other options for the Rays.

      Peralta, who was scratched from his scheduled start Friday due to Monday's trade deadline, is making a very affordable $8 million this season, of which the acquiring team would be taking on about $2.35 million. Murray also included names of seven other rental starters, led by Clay Holmes, Peralta's Mets teammate, and Kevin Gausman of the Toronto Blue Jays.

      The 30-year-old Peralta has had a disappointing season for the Mets after being acquired in a high-profile trade from the Milwaukee Brewers in the offseason. He has a 4.45 FIP (4.99 ERA) in 22 starts with 9.4% walk rate and 22.1% strikeout rate.

       

      Matthew Lenz

      The New York Mets enter the deadline firmly in sell mode, with their focus centered on moving veteran pitching, particularly a starting pitcher who could provide rotation help for a contender. While their top trade chip carries the most value as a proven arm, recent inconsistency could limit the return New York is able to command. Beyond the starting pitching market, the Mets lack a deep pool of premium trade assets, leaving underperforming veterans and prospects who have seen their stock dip as the primary pieces available in negotiations.

      Will Sammon of The Athletic is reporting that the New York Mets are asking for a "top 100 prospect and more" for starting pitcher Freddy Peralta. It will be interesting to see if a team is willing to pay that price for him considering his struggles this season.

      Peralta, 30, is set to be a free agent at season's end. Despite looking like an ace with the Milwaukee Brewers, he has struggled with the Mets this year, posting a 4.99 ERA (4.47 FIP) with a career-low 12.7% strikeout-minus-walk (K-BB) rate.

      Do you think a team will meet the Mets asking price? Join the conversation in the comments!

      Matthew Lenz

       

      The New York Mets approach the trade deadline focused on the future, positioning themselves as clear sellers with several impending free agents available. Their most attractive trade asset is a veteran starting pitcher capable of helping a contender, though a disappointing second half could temper his market value. Outside of those rental pieces, New York has few premium trade chips to offer, leaving underperforming veterans and prospects whose stock has slipped as the bulk of what they can realistically market.

      Arguably, their most valuable trade chip is starting to gain interest from teams looking to buy. Will Sammon of The Athletic is reporting that the Pittsburgh Pirates and Milwaukee Brewers are interested in reliever Luke Weaver.

      Weaver, who is controlled through next season, has shined in his role with the team. Through 41 appearances, he has a 1.88 ERA (2.87 FIP) and a 19.9 strikeout-minus-walk (K-BB) rate. He's largely been used as a high-leverage reliever (though those opportunities have been few and far between) who has accrued 16 saves plus holds this season.

      Do you think the Mets should move the 32-year-old righty even though he has one year remaining on his deal?  Join the conversation in the comments!

       

       

       

       

      Andres Chavez

      The New York Mets, one of the worst teams in the National League with a 46-63 record, are one of the few true sellers heading into Monday’s trade deadline. One of the players drawing the most attention isn’t even healthy at the moment: starting pitcher Clay Holmes.

      Holmes, who suffered a fractured fibula in mid-May, tossed four scoreless innings on Tuesday’s rehab start at Low-A St. Lucie, hitting 94 mph on the radar gun. Multiple contenders were in attendance to see his progress. The 33-year-old Holmes has a $12 million player option next year, but should be able to get more than that in the open market, provided he gets the chance.

      The Mets, according to Jon Heyman, aren’t discussing an extension with the former reliever, so it’s safe to say that the pitcher extending his deal to stay in New York is highly unlikely. His fate seems to be sealed: the likelihood of Holmes pitching for a contender in the second half is quite high.

      “In this sellers’ market, with precious few frontline starters available, this is a big trade piece. Nearly every contender scouted him in his rehab game,” Heyman wrote on X.

      Holmes has a 2.39 ERA in 52 2/3 innings with the Mets this year, in nine starts. He has walked 18 and struck out 45, with a 4-4 record.

      Steve Drumwright

       

      While the New York Mets can't get rid of Freddy Peralta fast enough, other teams see the right-handed starter as someone who can be fixed before the postseason.

      At least that is the opinion of several executives who spoke with The Athletic's Will Sammon.

      From Sammon's piece, which was published Wednesday:

      "Multiple evaluators who scouted Peralta’s most recent outings reported no questions about his stuff or health. Execution and controlling counts, however, are problems. Compared to his previous seasons, Peralta is losing early count leverage more often, and it’s hurting him.

      "Whether it’s arrogance, desperation, a commentary on modern pitching or a combination of all three, high-ranking officials from multiple teams see Peralta as a puzzle they can solve with usage changes or pitch shape adjustments."

      Others feel it might not be quite so simple to correct the problems afflicting Peralta, who has a 4.47 FIP (4.99 ERA) and posting a 3.64 FIP (2.70 ERA) last year with the Milwaukee Brewers.

      "Beyond that, though, as the same evaluator put it, 'the metrics are the metrics.' And some of those metrics are not great. Peralta’s extension is down nearly half a foot, which is not something, generally speaking, that is easily fixable during a season. Peralta’s average velocity on his four-seam fastball is also down from 94.8 mph last year to 94.2 mph. Evaluators said Peralta can change some movements for, perhaps, modest improvements. But it’s tough to draw up a clear path toward regaining his fastball."

      Peralta is still a highly sought-after pitcher, although his performance with the Mets has brought on some questions that could linger into his free agency.

       

      Matthew Nethercott

      The Mets' fire sale is about to begin, and a new report indicates the Mets could move catcher Francisco Alvarez. According to Francys Romero, several teams in the American League have inquired about Alvarez's availability. Romero notes that the Mets are seeking a prospect package in return.

      Virtually the entire AL playoff picture (Yankees, Red Sox, Rays, White Sox, Rangers, etc.) is looking for catchers. With reports from the New York Post's Jon Heyman Tuesday morning that the Mets would like to hold onto Luis Torrens, the team's other catcher, moving Alvarez could make sense and bring back a decent return, especially with how much catching is coveted all over baseball.

      This is a big opportunity for the Mets to capitalize on a market that teams are trying to attack. Alvarez will come with years of control, so if the Mets do move him, they should look for the best possible return and not sell short on Alvarez.

      Steve Drumwright

      Could the Milwaukee Brewers reunite with former ace Freddy Peralta?

      In the latest edition of his podcast "Sources Tell Jeff Passan," ESPN's MLB insider sorts through a bunch of names as Monday's trade deadline approaches and, when talking about Peralta, Passan brings up a potential return to the Brewers for the right-hander, who Milwaukee shipped to New York in the offseason for two key prospects in infielder-center fielder Jett Williams and right-handed starter Brandon Sproat.

      The Mets were expected to be a contender in the NL East with the addition of Peralta, but enter play Tuesday at 45-62, the second-worst record in the NL and fourth-worst in MLB. The Brewers, meanwhile, sit atop the NL Central at 66-40 and trail the Los Angeles Dodgers for the best record in MLB by one game.

      Peralta's 4.47 FIP is the worst of his career and his 4.99 ERA is second-worst behind the 5.29 he put up in 2019, his first full season in the majors. Last year, Peralta had a 3.64 FIP and career-best 2.70 ERA, finishing fifth in NL Cy Young Award voting.

      "He's been terrible and it hurts playing in front of a Mets defense that (has been bad)," Passan said.

      While also mentioning and then dismissing the Chicago Cubs as a potential destination in a discussion with co-host Richard Staff, Passan broached the reunion possibility, which would mean David Stearns, the former Brewers president of baseball operations who now runs the Mets' front office, would ship Peralta back to not only the pitcher's former team, but the executive's ex-franchise as well.

      "One thing I did hear this week, Richard, is that the Mets have been talking with the Brewers about Freddy Peralta," Passan said. "I don't know if that's going to happen, but it's the kind of deal where you see what they would get back from Milwaukee, considering what they gave up, is that a trade that David Stearns politically—already just getting fileted every time he's mentioned in New York—is that something he can pull off? Could he actually deal him back to Milwaukee?"

      Staff, a Mets fan, retorted that the conspiracy theories would flood the radio talk shows with the much lesser return for Peralta than what the Mets gave up.

      Matthew Lenz

       

      The New York Mets are approaching the trade deadline as clear sellers, with their focus centered on moving impending free agents rather than filling holes on the major league roster. Their most appealing trade asset is a front-line starting pitcher, although a disappointing second half could dampen the return. Outside of those rentals, New York’s trade inventory is relatively thin, relying more on struggling veterans and prospects whose stock has slipped than on premium young talent.

      Robert Murray of FanSided is reporting that the Tampa Bay Rays have "shown interest" in New York Mets starter Freddy Peralta.

      The Rays bring plenty of trade capital to the table, headlined by one of the deepest farm systems in baseball and a payroll situation clean enough to take on money if needed. Their willingness to move even really productive players, evidenced by trading a top offensive second baseman away just months ago, shows they won’t hesitate to deal from a position of organizational depth rather than need. That combination of prospect capital and financial flexibility puts them in position to be aggressive with sellers looking to move MLB-ready talent before the deadline.

      Peralta, 30, is set to be a free agent at season's end. Despite looking like an ace with the Milwaukee Brewers, he has struggled with the Mets this year, posting a 4.99 ERA (4.47 FIP) with a career-low 12.7% strikeout-minus-walk (K-BB) rate.

      The Rays feel like a dangerous organization to trade with given their penchant for identifying and developing talent. Do you think the Mets should partner with them on a deal? Join the conversation in the comments!

       

       

      Matthew Lenz

       

      The New York Mets enter the deadline firmly in sell mode, looking to move impending free agents rather than address any real on-field need. Their pitching staff, particularly a front-of-rotation arm, headlines what they have to offer, though the return may be limited by underwhelming performance down the stretch. Beyond that rental market, the Mets don’t have much high-end young talent to dangle, since their trade chips mostly come down to underperforming veterans or prospects who’ve taken a step back.

      Buyers, such as the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees, are reportedly interested in improving their catching corps, and Luis Torrens may be of interest to those teams. However, the Mets are reportedly not expected to move one of the best defensive backstops in the game.

      Jon Heyman of the NY Post is reporting that the New York Mets are "very reluctant" to trade the 30-year-old Torrens. While his defensive chops are well noted around the game, his production at the plate leaves something to be desired. Through 197 plate appearances, he is carrying a 74 wRC+ with just two home runs.

      Do you agree with the Mets for holding onto Torrens despite his poor production at the plate? Join the conversation in the comments!

       

       

      Steve Drumwright

       

      Brace yourself, New York Mets fans. In case you hadn't already.

      With the Mets entering Saturday with MLB's third-worst record, just ahead of the Colorado Rockies and Los Angeles Angels, MLB insider Ken Rosenthal is predicting a massive sell-off by president of baseball operations David Stearns.

      The five players who Rosenthal, who writes for The Athletic and was said this in his role as a dugout reporter during the Fox telecast of the Mets' game against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday, said are most likely to be moved before the Aug. 3 trade deadline are right-handed starters Freddy Peralta and Clay Holmes, left-handed relievers Brooks Raley and A.J. Minter and right-handed reliever Luke Weaver as well as outfielders Luis Robert Jr. and Tyrone Taylor. Holmes is currently on a rehab assignment after sustaining a fractured right fibula on May 15.

      "I expect them to make at least six trades," Rosenthal said. "You see Peralta and Holmes—Holmes has a player option, but he's like Shane Bieber from last year, coming off a significant injury, but will be in demand and is likely to decline that player option. The Mets don't seem interested in giving him an extension. The two lefty relievers, A.J. Minter and Brooks Raley. The outfielders, Luis Robert Jr. and Tyrone Taylor, and the big question will likely be not (shortstop Francisco) Lindor, but Luke Weaver. The Mets have him for another year. They want to compete in 2027, but the demand for relievers is always high."

      Rosenthal said that while the Mets would likely prefer young major-league talent in return, they would likely be getting prospects for many of the players expected to be traded away, with the reason being the players leaving the Mets are for the most part on contracts expiring after this season.

       

      Matthew Lenz

       

      As the New York Mets' disappointing season trudges along, rumors will begin to get rampant as we are less than two weeks away from the trade deadline. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic provided an update on two players who may be moved at the trade deadline. 

      Rosenthal reported that there "is preliminary interest from multiple teams" on outfielder Luis Robert Jr. He went on to report that "While the possibility remains that the Mets and Clay Holmes agree to an extension, there’s a significantly greater likelihood of a trade..."

      Robert Jr, 28, has been limited to 26 unproductive games so far this season. He's carrying a .648 OPS with three home runs and two stolen bases. While his hard-hit rate is respectable, his barrel and sweet spot rates don't indicate bad luck as his BABIP may suggest. That, coupled with injuries and the impending lockout (though he does have a team option for 2027), may limit the return he would generate in any deal.

      Holmes, who has also dealt with injuries this season, has been far more productive when he's been healthy. He's pitched to a 2.39 ERA (3.22 FIP) despite just a 12.5% K-BB rate. Despite the solid surface stats and FIP, his peripherals suggest that his upside is limited as a front-end starter. Undoubtedly, a contending team would love to have them as their 2nd or 3rd arm in the rotation. Not to mention, he has experience as a high-leverage reliever on a playoff team if a contender decides to move him back to the bullpen for the short term. Like Robert, he has a team option in 2027.

      Do you think the Mets should trade either player? Join the conversation in the comments!

       

      Matthew Lenz

      The New York Mets are in the midst of another disappointing season, yet may not have many pieces to truly "sell" at the trade deadline. Since they'll look to compete in 2027, they likely won't move any of their young, controllable assets. On the other hand, their expensive, veteran talent has largely underperformed this season, making them unlikely to be moved. However, there is one piece that teams are likely to kick the tires on.

      Will Sammon of The Athletic is expecting teams to "aggressively pursue" reliever Luke Weaver. The righty has been lights out across 37 innings with a 22.7% K-BB rate and a 1.95 ERA (2.41 FIP). Weaver, who is controllable through 2027, hasn't given up an extra base hit OR an earned run since April 30th.

      Being Steve Cohen's stance on the Mets competing next season, it will likely take a significant haul to move on from the 32-year-old elite reliever. At the same time, being controllable in 2027 may not hold much weight with the impending lockout.

      Do you think the Mets should move Weaver? Let us know in the comments!

      Steve Drumwright

       

      The Chicago Cubs could be ready to take advantage of the New York Mets' miserable start to the season.

      According to a report, the Cubs are interested in acquiring ace right-hander Freddy Peralta from the Mets.

      Peralta, a free agent after the season, has already been traded once this year, going from the Milwaukee Brewers to the Mets in a four-player trade in which New York gave up a pair of top-five prospects in infielder-outfielder Jett Williams and right-handed starter Brandon Sproat.

      This time, Peralta's price would be lower as the acquiring team would not be able to get draft-pick compensation through the qualifying offer. A qualifying offer can only be extended to a player who is with a team for the full season.

      The report mentioned that the Mets are holding on to Peralta until at least June 1, at which time the team will reevaluate its position on Peralta and other tradeable assets.

      The Cubs are in the market for at least one starting pitcher as they currently have three of their projected four Opening Day starters on the injured list, including Cade Horton being out for the season.

      Peralta has ties to both teams from his Brewers days. Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns led Milwaukee's front office while Peralta was on the roster and Cubs manager Craig Counsell was Peralta's manager in Milwaukee.

      Peralta will be one of the top free agents available this offseason.

       

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