Matthew Lenz

The New York Mets sent A.J. Minter to the Minnesota Twins for two lottery ticket prospects. How can infielders Billy Amick or Bruin Agbayani become legit prospects? View full video

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! View full rumor

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! View full rumor

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! View full rumor

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! View full rumor

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! View full rumor

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! View full rumor