MLB Trade Rumors: 2 Elite Trade Candidates Emerging from NY Mets

Let's just say things haven't gone well for the New York Mets this season. An understatement? Yes. The word from noted insider Jeff Passan is that if things don't turn around, they could put two elite pitchers on the trade block. An overstatement? Probably not.

The Mets find themselves on an 11-game losing streak, leaving them with the worst record in the National League at 7-15. At 8.5 games back already in the NL East, no team is farther back of first place than the Metropolitans.

Among the players who are either hurt or underperforming are Juan Soto, Jorge Polanco, Francisco Lindor, Bo Bichette, Marcus Semien and Carson Benge.

If the Mets' woes continue and they get even more buried, and owner Steve Cohen and GM David Stearns decide that it's time for a major overhaul, Passan names these two pitchers as top trade candidates:

Freddy Peralta

Brought in to be the ace of a rejuvenated Mets' staff this year, Peralta hasn't been bad at all. A 28:10 strikeout to walk ratio in 26.2 innings, a 1.08 WHIP and a 4.05 ERA.

But the 29-year-old All-Star, acquired in a trade from the Milwaukee Brewers, is a pending free agent. He's looking for a long-term extension if he were to re-sign in New York, something in the range of 7 or 8 years. Stearns loathes giving out deals like that, and would prefer to go with something in the four-year range max. That simply won't cut it to get a deal done with Peralta.

So it's likely 'one and done' for Fastball Freddy in Queens. He would bring back a nice haul on the trade market, even as a rental.

Clay Holmes

The 33-year-old starter has been excellent since signing with the Mets in 2025 and converting from the bullpen. This season, he has a 1.96 ERA through four starts. But he, too, can become a free agent after the season. As Passan says, quite rightfully, Holmes "will likely reject" his $12 million player option for 2027.

Another strong arm for the trade market, and another good return for the Mets, if they so choose to go there.

But wait, there's more:

Passan also figures the Mets could put rookie hurler Jonah Tong on the trade block if they can get a nice return for him, as well. He's off to a much rougher start this season, with a 7.71 ERA in five outings.