Mired in an atrocious 2026 season after falling apart last year, the New York Mets are likely to be big sellers ahead of Major League Baseball’s trade deadline on Monday, Aug. 3.
Despite the highest payroll in baseball, the Mets are in last place in the NL East but have a handful of high-end players to trade, including starting pitchers Freddy Peralta and Clay Holmes, as well as relievers Luke Weaver and Brooks Raley.
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Luis Robert Jr., acquired in an offseason trade like Peralta, is one of a few Mets position players who could also be moved in the days to come. The former top prospect has struggled with injuries again this year but his name continues to ring out in trade rumors.
Franchise shortstop Francisco Lindor is unlikely to be dealt this summer, but it’s a move the Mets could seek to revisit this winter as Steve Cohen’s franchise retools again.
Here’s a look at some of the Mets players who could be traded:
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Ranking the top 25 MLB trade deadline targets for 2026
1. Luis Arraez, 2B, Giants There he is, the perfect trade deadline candidate: A man on an expiring contract playing for a terrible team and enjoying a career year. What’s not to love? While Arraez noted he would not like to move off second base after doggedly improving to Gold Glove caliber this year, his tune might change once he realizes he has plenty of equity to take into the offseason. The three-time batting champ has, thanks to his viability at second, amassed 3.1 WAR and has a 136 adjusted OPS despite just four homers. Immediate lineup punch for a team in need.
(Steven Bisig, Imagn Images)
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Ranking the top 25 MLB trade deadline targets for 2026
1. Luis Arraez, 2B, Giants There he is, the perfect trade deadline candidate: A man on an expiring contract playing for a terrible team and enjoying a career year. What’s not to love? While Arraez noted he would not like to move off second base after doggedly improving to Gold Glove caliber this year, his tune might change once he realizes he has plenty of equity to take into the offseason. The three-time batting champ has, thanks to his viability at second, amassed 3.1 WAR and has a 136 adjusted OPS despite just four homers. Immediate lineup punch for a team in need.
(Steven Bisig, Imagn Images)
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Ranking the top 25 MLB trade deadline targets for 2026
2. Luke Weaver, RP, Mets Since June 1, Weaver has given up two hits and zero earned runs across 14 appearances, with a 19-3 strikeout walk ratio. He served as Yankees closer all the way through the 2024 World Series and can fill any role in a club’s bullpen. At $8 million this year and $11 million in 2027, he’s a reasonable get. The only question is whether the Mets will want to hang on to him for their hoped-for 2027 renaissance.
(Michael McLoone, Imagn Images)
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Ranking the top 25 MLB trade deadline targets for 2026
3. Robbie Ray, SP, Giants It’s been five years since Ray struck out 248 and won the AL Cy Young Award; now, he’s averaging just 7.6 strikeouts per nine innings. But the man posted a 3.38 first-half ERA and had two starts of eight scoreless innings. And a 41-55 team went 12-7 in his starts. Perfect lefty starter rental.
(Dustin Bradford, Getty Images)
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Ranking the top 25 MLB trade deadline targets for 2026
4. Michael Wacha, SP, Royals If not for his limited no-trade protection, Wacha might top this list, given the Royals’ 38-59 record and his All-Star season. Simply, no one’s getting deeper into games – and with a 1.19 WHIP – than Wacha, who is guaranteed a reasonable $15 million in 2027.
(Denny Medley, Imagn Images)
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Ranking the top 25 MLB trade deadline targets for 2026
5. Mason Miller, RP, Padres Volatile one, this. The Padres remain a sellout machine and are just 3½ games out of a wild card spot. And a pending sale of the club should be finalized soon. From an “optics” standpoint, not the best time to trade the most dominant closer in baseball. But AJ Preller usually has five or six next steps in mind when he does a deal, and Miller would still fetch a significant return – perhaps better than the Padres having to deal top prospect Leo DeVries to the A’s to get him.
(Rhona Wise, Imagn Images)
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Ranking the top 25 MLB trade deadline targets for 2026
6. Tyler Stephenson, C, Reds Definitely checks the “his team will be sellers” and “he’s a pending free agent” boxes. Ty Steve has just six homers and an 88 adjusted OPS this season but did smack 19 homers last year and would bring far more offensive upside than your typical catcher on the move at the deadline.
(Dustin Bradford, Getty Images)
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Ranking the top 25 MLB trade deadline targets for 2026
7. Foster Griffin, SP, Nationals Another tricky one. Griffin has been the biggest coup for the new-look Nationals front office, unleashing his eight-pitch mix on hitters after three years in Japan and winning 10 games with a 2.77 ERA, earning a most unlikely All-Star nod. Even more surprising: The Nationals were near or above .500 most of the first half, generating some buzz that they might actually buy at the deadline. But they hit the break coming off a sweep at the hands of the Yankees, and reality might further intrude these next three weeks. Trading Griffin would allow the Nats to split the baby, in a sense: Getting back a potentially very good return for a difference-making lefty, while holding on to All-Star shortstop CJ Abrams and not further depressing a fan base that’s lived through six consecutive losing seasons.
(Brad Mills, Imagn Images)
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Ranking the top 25 MLB trade deadline targets for 2026
8. Jake McCarthy, OF, Rockies Dealing McCarthy would fulfill a successful first stage for the Paul DePodesta Regime: Collecting veterans, pumping their trade value and getting assets in return. Never mind Coors Field, McCarthy’s adjusted OPS is 23% above league average and offers significant value as a lefty bat who’s manned all three outfield spots this season.
(Dustin Bradford, Getty Images)
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Ranking the top 25 MLB trade deadline targets for 2026
9. Tarik Skubal, SP, Tigers Here’s how the Tigers start the second half: At Angels, at Cubs, Royals, Orioles and then a trip to Yolo County to face the Athletics just before the deadline. A nice formula to jump right back in the race and thus decrease the likelihood Skubal gets dealt. It doesn’t hurt that the Tigers have a pair of races to attack – the AL Central (6½ out) and wild card (3½ out).
(Rick Osentoski, Imagn Images)
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Ranking the top 25 MLB trade deadline targets for 2026
10. Eduardo Rodriguez, SP, Diamondbacks A few hurdles here: Arizona must further fade from contention. Rodriguez, fresh off an All-Star appearance, can block trades to 10 teams. And he’s had a good first half yet is still owed $19 million in 2027, and a $17 million 2028 option can vest after just 36 more innings pitched this year. A lot of what-ifs for a pitcher often wracked by injury, but Rodriguez is throwing the ball very well right now and could make a postseason difference for somebody, perhaps if Arizona kicks in a little cash for ‘27.
(Rick Scuteri, Imagn Images)
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Ranking the top 25 MLB trade deadline targets for 2026
11. Dustin May, SP, Cardinals A pretty low-risk add for a contender, May nearly no-hit the Padres, then had a pair of blow-up starts, but he’s essentially providing a quality start (4.55 ERA) out of his spot in St. Louis’ rotation. Not the flame-throwing prodigy once in the Dodgers’ system, but May is more reliable now and is owed only a $500,000 buyout after this season.
(Rick Scuteri, Imagn Images)
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Ranking the top 25 MLB trade deadline targets for 2026
12. Devin Williams, RP, Mets He hasn’t been great this year but performed serviceably of late, with six saves in his past eight chances and a 3.07 ERA. Not great, and then he’s owed $30 million the next two seasons. Yet just imagine how many clubs will be seeking competent bullpen help.
(Dale Zanine, Imagn Images)
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Ranking the top 25 MLB trade deadline targets for 2026
13. Mickey Moniak, OF, Rockies The Rockies’ 1A outfield trade chip behind McCarthy, Moniak offers less defense but decent pop from the left side, with 15 homers in just 209 at-bats.
(Dustin Bradford, Getty Images)
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Ranking the top 25 MLB trade deadline targets for 2026
14. Lars Nootbaar, OF, Cardinals Nootbaar wasn’t a part of the Cardinals’ surprise early season surge in this supposed rebuilding year, missing the first 60 games after offseason surgery on his heels. And he’s been fine in his return, OPS-ing .778 as he gets up to speed. But Nootbaar already doesn’t play against lefties, and as a free agent after 2027, he doesn’t necessarily fit the Cardinals’ timeline for earnest contention. He’d be a nice clubhouse and on-field addition for a club seeking a lefty-swinging outfielder, and the Cardinals could both open up plate appearances for younger players and still try to contend by dealing him.
(Jeff Curry, Imagn Images)
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Ranking the top 25 MLB trade deadline targets for 2026
15. Bo Bichette, INF, Mets Let’s be up front about this: Bichette has a full no-trade clause, giving him control over basically every lever in the three-year, $142 million deal he signed with New York, a pact that includes opt-outs in 2027 and 2028. Yep, he’s in a great spot: Hit the market again next winter or collect $42 million after a season in which he’s produced an 88 adjusted OPS and a .300 OBP. So why would a team acquire him? Well, the dude can still rake and given a fresh start could go win someone a World Series. But so many what-ifs: Bichette green-lighting a deal, and a team willing to take on a potentially huge salary the following two seasons. The upside: Bichette’s still a really great hitter in a league with few of them.
(Jeff Hanisch, Imagn Images)
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Ranking the top 25 MLB trade deadline targets for 2026
16. Spencer Steer, 1B, Reds After an uneven first half (he batted .159 with a .629 OPS in June), Steer has surged nicely to bump his home run total to 14 and OPS to .749. The Reds are one of just a few sellers and Steer’s multi-positional magic will be a nice selling point to contenders.
(Isaiah J. Downing, Imagn Images)
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Ranking the top 25 MLB trade deadline targets for 2026
17. Peter Lambert, SP, Astros A really nice find for the Astros after Lambert spent 2025 in Tokyo with the Yakult Swallows, he kept their rotation afloat the entire first half, with a 3.14 ERA and 1.12 WHIP over 15 starts. For now, Houston is intent on adding but come Aug. 3, the Astros could be staring at too high a climb for either division or wild card. Lambert can help someone immediately.
(Troy Taormina, Imagn Images)
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Ranking the top 25 MLB trade deadline targets for 2026
18. Luis Garcia, 1B-2B-DH, Nationals The above caveats with Griffin largely also apply to Garcia, though he has one more year before free agency, potentially enhancing his value. Garcia’s slow rise with the Nationals finally gave way to a career year, with 20 homers and an .871 OPS, justifying his move to first base. Would be a nice stealthy power bat for a contender to add, and a great sell-high scenario for Washington.
(Christopher Hanewinckel, Imagn Images)
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Ranking the top 25 MLB trade deadline targets for 2026
19. Isaac Collins, OF, Royals He was a nice cog in the Brewers’ NLCS club last year and then got dealt to the Royals, where he’s been perfectly fine (five homers, .345 OBP, 103 adjusted OPS). Yeah, that’s kind of what you get with Collins, but a competent switch-hitting outfielder should have several teams (Phillies, anyone?) interested.
(Gregory Shamus, Getty Images)
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Ranking the top 25 MLB trade deadline targets for 2026
20. Jonathan Loaisiga, RP, Diamondbacks The former Yankee late-inning guy has, after three injury-wracked seasons, found his groove again in the desert, posting a 0.99 WHIP even as his strikeouts per nine innings (6.3) is far off his 2021 peak (8.8) If the D-backs collapse, closer Paul Sewald should be available too, but his 4.34 FIP is far inferior to Loaisiga’s 2.78.
(Anna Carrington, Imagn Images)
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Ranking the top 25 MLB trade deadline targets for 2026
21. JJ Bleday, OF, Reds Does Cincinnati buy Bleday’s breakout and view him as a key part of their future? He has two more seasons before free agency, and perhaps the Reds believe in his massive jump in OBP (.294 to .350) and slimmed-down strikeout rate (36.9% to 28%). Conversely, after Bleday hit 16 first-half homers, perhaps this is the ultimate sell-high scenario.
(Andy Lyons, Getty Images)
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Ranking the top 25 MLB trade deadline targets for 2026
22. Jack Flaherty, SP, Tigers The usual qualifiers that apply to Skubal play here, too. Flaherty didn’t look like he’d have much trade value, his ERA at 5.81 through 12 starts, but he’s figured it out, with a 2.12 ERA and 34-10 strikeout-walk ratio in his past six outings.
(Matt Marton, Imagn Images)
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Ranking the top 25 MLB trade deadline targets for 2026
23. JT Brubaker, RP, Giants Hard to believe there’s anything redeemable from the rancid Giants bullpen, but Brubaker has a 2.87 ERA and 1.12 WHIP, though he doesn’t miss many bats. Club could silently score PR points with its base by dealing one of the No-Pride Four.
(Robert Edwards, Imagn Images)
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Ranking the top 25 MLB trade deadline targets for 2026
24. Michael Soroka, SP, Diamondbacks He hasn’t made more than 17 starts since 2019, but perhaps Soroka’s major health issues are finally behind him. He was just fine through 15 starts in Arizona, posting a 1.09 WHIP. Making just $7.5 million on an expiring contract, so he’s far more easily tradeable than the All-Star Rodriguez.
(D. Ross Cameron, Imagn Images)
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Ranking the top 25 MLB trade deadline targets for 2026
25. Ty France, 1B, Padres Signed just as free agency began, France has once again emerged as a handy right-handed bat, with 11 homers and an .815 OPS. He won’t play much else than first these days – he’s logged five innings at third base this season – but got a touch of World Series experience with Toronto last season.
(Denny Medley, Imagn Images)
Freddy Peralta
The Mets’ prized offseason acquisition, Peralta was scratched from his start Friday in anticipation of a possible deal. Acquired from the Brewers in a major trade after finishing fifth in NL Cy Young voting, Peralta has struggled with the Mets, going 5-9 with a 4.99 ERA in 22 starts. The 30-year-old was 17-6 with a 2.80 ERA last season and could net the best return of anybody the Mets are looking to deal.
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Returning soon from a broken leg, Holmes will have plenty of interested contenders as a more budget-friendly alternative to Tarik Skubal or Peralta.
“It’s easy to get caught up in a lot of what-ifs, a lot of stories that may or may not be true,” Holmes said after a recent rehab start. “You just really have to focus on what you can do.”
Luis Robert Jr.
The Mets took a flyer (for a lot of money!) on Robert in the offseason, but the man who clubbed 38 home runs in 2023 has been unable to stay healthy in 2026 – just like the rest of his career. The 28-year-old would be a low-risk trade for suitors, so long as that team isn’t expecting him to play every single day. Robert has a $2 million buyout on his $20 million 2027 option and the Mets would probably have to send some money along to make a deal happen.
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Luke Weaver
Perhaps the best reliever available at the deadline – and signed through 2028 – the 32-year-old right-hander has a 1.88 ERA in 43 innings after signing a two-year deal with the Mets over the winter.
Brooks Raley
Another bright spot in the Mets’ horrific season, the 38-year-old southpaw has a 2.01 ERA in 44 games and is holding left-handed hitters to a .560 OPS. New York could probably get a prospect or two for a guy whose services are always in demand.
Turns out that trading for a 35-year-old – due $72 million over three years – coming off two seasons with a sub-.700 OPS was not a great move! The Mets would have to take on a large chunk of Semien’s salary if they want to unload the infield this summer, but finding a partner won’t be easy considering his miserable performance and contract through 2028.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Six crucial players Mets could trade at MLB deadline
