Apr 12, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Freddy Peralta (51) pitches in the third inning against the Athletics at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
It is getting too late for the New York Mets to save this horrendous 2026 season, which means they should be approaching Major League Baseball’s Aug. 3 trade deadline fully preparing to sell.
Despite sitting 13.5 games out of first place and an ineffective roster lacking any legitimate depth built by president of baseball operations David Stearns, the Mets’ phones will be lighting up this summer the closer we get to the deadline. There are talents contending teams could use, and others that some are willing to take a chance on in hopes that a change in scenery goes a long way.
Freddy Peralta is New York’s most important trade chip. Even with mediocre numbers in his first season in Queens (5-5, 3.90 ERA), his team-friendly contract is one that pitching-needy postseason pushers would love to add to their ranks. And he is far more affordable than, say, Tarik Skubal should the Detroit Tigers look to unload the two-time defending AL Cy Young Award winner.
Dealing him would at least bring back some higher-end minor-league talent, likely in the form of a top-100 prospect.
The trade deadline is an opportunity to offload some of the dead weight, particularly David Peterson, who has proven that he cannot be a starter nor a bulk reliever, though his value might not be any lower. After all, this was a southpaw who was an All-Star just last summer.
In terms of value, the same could be said for center fielder Luis Robert Jr., who is on the comeback trail from a back injury that has sidelined him since April. Stearns took a chance on him to stay healthy and replicate his 38-home-run season from 2023 with the Chicago White Sox.
That has not been the case. Not only has he missed two months, but his spot in center field is no longer his with the call-up and the emergence of AJ Ewing.
For more on the Mets, visit AMNY.com
