How will the red-hot Mets approach the Trade Deadline?

July 15th, 2024

MLB.com is keeping track of all the latest Mets-related free agent and trade rumors right here.

July 15: What to expect from the Mets at the Trade Deadline
After starting the season 22-33 and widely expected to enter the summer as sellers, the Mets have instead gone on an excellent run and currently hold the third NL Wild Card spot with a 49-46 record.

As such, the Mets' outlook for the Trade Deadline has shifted. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic and MLB on FOX discussed what the Mets might do at the Deadline during a pregame show before Monday's Home Run Derby.

Rosenthal said the Mets "aren't going to trade Pete Alonso," which isn't exactly surprising given where the Mets stand. Alonso is entering the final months with New York before he can hit free agency for the first time.

In terms of what they might do, Rosenthal talked about the Mets moving a starter once the injured Kodai Senga returns in the coming weeks. Rosenthal said the club could perhaps look to move a veteran starter like José Quintana to fix a bullpen that has a 4.20 ERA. The dilemma, however, is the Mets' rotation hasn't been much better from a run-prevention standpoint with a 4.25 ERA.

What hasn't been an issue is a Mets offense that ranks in the top 10 in runs (465), home runs (121) and OPS (.742). From that perspective, it makes the Mets' approach a bit easier as they can focus solely on making pitching additions.

Given how much president of baseball operations David Stearns has prioritized New York's long-term outlook, it seems unlikely that they'd make a huge move trading top prospects. Considering where the Mets stand and Stearns' history of making moves for the small-market Brewers, it's far more likely that New York makes smaller moves.

July 11: Astros, M's have eyes on Alonso
Mets slugger Pete Alonso has drawn interest from at least a pair of clubs as the Trade Deadline approaches: the Astros and Mariners.

According to a report from Jim Bowden of The Athletic (subscription required), Houston is looking for an "impactful long- or short-term solution at first base," while Seattle wants to add "a quality bat or two." That's prompted both clubs to discuss an Alonso trade with the Mets, as well as other possibilities.

Per the report, the Astros have discussed not just Alonso with the Mets, but also Christian Walker with the D-backs, Cody Bellinger with the Cubs and Andrew Vaughn with the White Sox. The Mariners' interest, meanwhile, includes Alonso, Walker, Bellinger, Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Luis Robert Jr.

Bowden also notes in the article that the Mets being in contention for a Wild Card spot might take Alonso off the trade market.

Alonso is batting .243 with 18 home runs and 49 RBIs in 92 games for the Mets this season.

June 27: Surging Mets among biggest bubble teams to watch before Trade Deadline
After falling a season-worst 11 games under .500 on June 2, the Mets looked like they were going to be clear sellers at the Trade Deadline. However, New York has turned its season around over the past few weeks, making a Deadline sale much less likely.

The Mets have gone 15-4 in their past 19 games and now sit at .500, 1 1/2 games out in the race for the third National League Wild Card spot.

With several attractive trade chips, including pending free agents Pete Alonso, Luis Severino, José Quintana and Harrison Bader, the Mets are one of the bubble teams to watch over the next month. The direction they take could have a big effect on this year’s Deadline.