Less than two-and-a-half weeks from the August 3 MLB trade deadline, the buzz out of Queens is absolutely wild. The Mets, after starting the second half of their 2026 season with a 4-1 win over the Phillies on Thursday night, are not just looking to be sellers, but *deep* sellers. Seriously, this isn't just a rumor mill churning, this is a full-blown fire sale notification.
The "Sale Is On" for a Disappointing Season
Let's be real, the Mets have been disappointing, and one win isn't enough to change a season's worth of plans. SNY's Chelsea Janes quoted a rival executive saying the Mets officially informed their team that "the sale is on." That's the kind of news that sends shockwaves, isn't it? What it means is almost everyone is on the block. The only players explicitly declared off-limits are young stars Carson Benge, A.J. Ewing, Christian Scott, Nolan McLean, and the obvious, Juan Soto. Everyone else? Apparently, they're listening to offers. This isn't just about shuffling the deck; it signals a major shift. The club is clearly thinking longer-term, setting up a "wide-ranging pivot" that's going to drastically alter their current core. Owner Steve Cohen and lead decision-maker David Stearns aren't conceding 2027, but they are absolutely reshaping everything.Lindor and Bichette: Tough Sell, Huge Impact
Now, here's where it gets really interesting, and potentially really complicated. Two of the most notable names not on that "off-limits" list are veteran shortstop Francisco Lindor and marquee offseason addition Bo Bichette. Moving either of these guys would be massive, but it's not going to be easy. Lindor, at 32 years old, is staring down what's on track to be the worst season of his 12-year big-league career, sporting a .210 batting average with only 22 runs, 5 home runs, 12 RBI, and 2 stolen bases. And get this, he's still owed more than $170 million through 2023, not counting the balance of his 2026 salary. That's a huge commitment, and while the Mets could throw in cash to make him more attractive, their willingness to do so is a big question mark. Then there's Bo Bichette. He's also had a disappointing 2026. He's owed the remainder of a $42 million salary this season, with $42 million player options for both the 2027 and 2028 seasons. Those player options make him incredibly tricky to move. If he turns things around and plays great, he'll re-enter free agency; if he keeps struggling, he'll exercise those options. It's a one-sided deal, and that's not exactly market appeal, especially with his current performance. So, while many other names might be "relatively easy to move" in this market, getting big hauls for Lindor and Bichette is going to be a real challenge for the Mets. The deadline is August 3. The countdown is on to see what this Mets roster will look like by then. It's going to be wild.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.