Six crucial players Mets could trade at MLB deadline

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.

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:

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.

Clay Holmes

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.

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.

Marcus Semien

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

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