The New York Mets are gearing up for a busy trade deadline, with the team reportedly open to discussions on most of their roster. With a 41-57 record, the Mets are in a position to make some strategic moves, especially with a focus on shedding big-name contracts and rebuilding their team for the future.
One of the key players in this scenario is Francisco Lindor, who is signed for $32MM per season through 2031. However, his poor performance this year, coupled with his age and contract, makes him a less likely candidate for a trade. Owner Steve Cohen has acknowledged that Lindor is unlikely to be moved.
Bo Bichette, on the other hand, is a more intriguing option. While he doesn't have a long-term commitment, his $42MM annual salary for 2027-2028 seasons and opt-out provisions make him a complex trade chip. The Mets could consider conditional cash considerations for future seasons if Bichette doesn't opt out, but his underwhelming performance this year adds a layer of complexity.
The Mets also have a few other players who are likely to be moved, including Freddy Peralta, Clay Holmes, A.J. Minter, and Brooks Raley. These players are all impending free agents, with Holmes having a $12MM player option that he's likely to decline. Peralta, in particular, is a prime trade candidate, with his $8MM salary remaining a bargain and his recent decline in performance making him a more attractive option for other teams.
Among the controllable trade candidates, the Mets are reportedly open to discussions on catcher Francisco Alvarez. While he's a well-above-average hitter with legitimate plus power, his defensive questions and recent injuries make him a less attractive option. The Mets control Alvarez for three seasons beyond this one, and it's unclear if they will move him, but they are at least open to the possibility.
The Mets also have a few players with underwater contracts, including Jorge Polanco, Sean Manaea, Luis Robert Jr., Kodai Senga, Devin Williams, and Marcus Semien. These players are all on unappealing contracts, and the Mets may be willing to discuss trades to shed some of these big-name contracts. However, the Mets may need to eat some of the remaining salaries for these players, making them less attractive trade chips.
In conclusion, the Mets are in a position to make some strategic moves at the trade deadline, with a focus on shedding big-name contracts and rebuilding their team for the future. While some players like Lindor and Bichette may be less likely to be moved, the Mets have a few other players who are likely to be traded, including Peralta, Holmes, and Alvarez. The team's willingness to discuss trades on most of their roster indicates that they are open to making some significant changes to their lineup and roster composition.
