The disappointing 2026 season for the New York Mets could soon lead to major roster changes, as trade rumors continue to intensify around several of the team’s top pitchers including offseason acquisition Freddy Peralta and veteran right-hander Clay Holmes.
After entering the season with playoff expectations and hopes of competing for a World Series title, the Mets have instead become one of baseball’s biggest disappointments. Injuries, inconsistent pitching, and offensive struggles have all contributed to the team’s collapse in the standings. New York currently owns one of the worst records in Major League Baseball at 14-23 and sits 6.5 games out of the National League Wild Card race, putting the organization in a difficult position as the trade deadline approaches.
According to reports from CBS Sports’ Mike Axisa, the Mets are already preparing contingency plans if the team fails to reverse course by early June. One of those plans could involve trading Peralta, who was expected to become a cornerstone of the rotation after arriving in New York during the offseason.
Peralta, 30, was viewed as one of the Mets’ biggest additions and was expected to provide stability and veteran leadership to a pitching staff built to contend immediately. However, with the team struggling badly through the first month and a half of the season, speculation has grown that New York may decide to become sellers instead of buyers if the losses continue to pile up.
Reports have already linked the thriving Chicago Cubs to potential trade discussions involving Peralta. Chicago has emerged as one of the stronger teams in the National League this season and could look to strengthen its rotation for a deep postseason run. Because Peralta is set to become a free agent after the season, rival teams may view him as an attractive rental option for the second half of the year.
The Mets could also be motivated to recover some of the assets they gave up to acquire Peralta during the offseason. Rather than risk losing him for nothing in free agency, New York may decide to capitalize on his trade value while contending teams are actively searching for pitching help.
But Peralta may not be the only notable pitcher moved if the Mets officially pivot toward a rebuild or retooling strategy. Axisa also suggested that Clay Holmes could quickly emerge as another major trade candidate.
Holmes has arguably been one of the few bright spots for the Mets this season and has reportedly outperformed Peralta on the mound. However, his contract situation could make him another logical trade chip. The veteran reliever can opt out of his deal after the season, and many around baseball expect him to test free agency, especially considering his relatively modest $12 million salary for 2027.
Because of that flexibility, contenders could see Holmes as a valuable short-term bullpen addition for a playoff push. If the Mets decide to hold a midseason sell-off, moving both Peralta and Holmes could allow the franchise to replenish its farm system with younger talent and future assets.
For now, the organization still hopes to salvage the season before reaching that point. Team executives reportedly view June 1 as a critical checkpoint to determine whether the Mets remain capable of competing or whether a dramatic shift toward selling becomes unavoidable.
If New York cannot climb back into postseason contention over the next few weeks, the trade market surrounding Peralta and Holmes is expected to intensify rapidly, potentially turning the Mets into one of the most active sellers ahead of the MLB trade deadline.
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