3 Potential New York Mets Available In MLB Trade Talks

Halfway through May, many believed the New York Mets would be discussing internally what moves they could make to bolster their championship run in 2026. Instead, the talks are about who can be offloaded to make way for the future.

2026 has been miserable in Queens. The Mets are in last place in the National League East Division, 11.5 games out of first place. Even after winning 7 of their last 10, it’s already too little, too late, given how competitive the National League is.

Because of that, the Mets are on the cusp of declaring themselves sellers at the MLB trade deadline. The deadline is not until August 3rd, which is in the distant future. But teams are already assessing their needs, and the market may not wait until the deadline. The Mets have pieces that they may not miss long-term, but can bring in stars for the future.

1. Freddy Peralta

The Mets traded for Freddy Peralta this past offseason with the Milwaukee Brewers. They were expecting Peralta to be the ace of a rotation that would be backed by a lineup that would produce runs and win ballgames. Peralta has held up his end of the bargain; the offense has not.

In his first nine starts with the Mets, Peralta is 3-3 with a 3.10 earned run average. His 49.1 innings are second only to Nolan McLean’s 52.1 on the team. Peralta’s been exactly what the Mets signed up for. Unfortunately for him, the Mets have not been what he expected.

The trade market will be hot with teams needing premier starting pitching. In particular, the Chicago Cubs are in desperate need of extra rotation help. Plus, Peralta is familiar with manager Craig Counsell from their time together in Milwaukee. Will the Cubs be willing to pay a premium price tag for a pitcher like Peralta, whose contract expires at the end of the year?

2. Clay Holmes

The Mets are a mess, but Clay Holmes has nothing to do with it. His 1.86 earned run average is among the best in baseball through eight starts. After an incredible bounce-back season in 2025, Holmes is looking the best he ever has in 2026.

Holmes is signed through 2027 at $12.67 million per year. With an additional year and the way he is producing, his pricetag will likely be lofty if the Mets decide to trade him and plan for the future.

The aforementioned Cubs are in play with a loaded farm system of MLB-ready talent. But also take a look at a team like the Baltimore Orioles. After a slow start, they are starting to crawl out of the hole they dug themselves in and are well within the wild-card race. With the American League being well below expectations as a whole, one move like adding Holmes could catapult them past the mediocrity of the league.

3. Craig Kimbrel

Every season, bullpen help is always on the move at the trade deadline. Every contending team is on the market for pitching depth to help get outs late in games. Not a lot of guys have had more experience doing this than Craig Kimbrel.

Kimbrel is in his 17th season in MLB and has accumulated 440 saves. He was Rookie of the Year, a nine-time All-Star, and a World Series Champion. He’s likely on his way to Cooperstown, but may have a couple more stops in him before that.

Kimbrel is not at his best with the Mets in 2026. But he’s also not seeing much action in the high-leverage spots he is used to. He has not recorded a save since 2024. However, with the Astros in 2025, he had a 2.45 earned run average on a team that just missed playoff contention. Maybe some competition would spark something for him.