The New York Mets have positioned themselves firmly as sellers ahead of the August deadline, with a 38-53 record placing the club at the bottom of the NL East, according to bleacherreport.com. As the team pivots toward a selling stance, starting pitchers Freddy Peralta and Clay Holmes have drawn significant interest from opposing franchises.
Mets Shift to Sell Mode as Trade Deadline Approaches
Clay Holmes Draws Heavy Scout Attention on Rehab Assignment
Clay Holmes is currently working his way back from a fractured fibula while on the injured list, as reported by Yahoo Sports. Scouts from at least seven different teams were on hand to watch Holmes’ latest rehab start, according to reporting from Will Sammon, Ken Rosenthal, and Katie Woo of The Athletic referenced by Mlbtraderumors. The interested organizations included the Rays, Phillies, Rangers, D-backs, White Sox, Dodgers, and Yankees.
During that outing against High-A competition, Holmes held the Blue Jays’ Dunedin affiliate scoreless on two hits and two walks while striking out three batters. Executives from other clubs noted that Holmes looked ready to return to the majors. The 6’5″, 245-pound right-hander is playing out the second season of a three-year, $38MM contract awarded by the Mets during the 2024-25 offseason. Over 40 starts and three relief appearances as a Met, Holmes has logged 218 1/3 innings with a 3.26 ERA, an 18.9% strikeout rate, a 9.1% walk rate, and a 55.8% grounder rate. Holmes holds a player option for next season valued at $12MM, which he is expected to top in free agency if he remains healthy.
Freddy Peralta Faces Difficult Season Despite Continued Market Interest
The Mets acquired Freddy Peralta in January from the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for a pair of top-100 prospects, Brandon Sproat and Jett Williams. During Peralta’s pregame warmups at American Family Field, the Brewers played a tribute video on the Jumbotron for his return to Milwaukee. However, his tenure atop the Mets’ rotation has brought struggles, with varying statistics cited across reports including a 5.01 ERA over 21 starts according to Yahoo Sports, and a 4.68 ERA with a 1.42 WHIP noted by bleacherreport.com.
Peralta’s performance includes a league-tied nine losses. From Opening Day through June 3, he posted a 3.63 ERA across 13 starts with a 23.9% strikeout rate. Since June 9, however, his ERA rose over nine starts, though rival clubs and executives have suggested that the Mets’ defense contributed to his difficulties, pointing to solid secondary numbers. Reflecting on his mindset, Peralta stated, I know that I’m better than great,
as reported by Yahoo Sports.
Despite his struggles, scouts and executives such as Will Sammon have indicated that the Mets should secure a decent return for Peralta, though it likely will not match the high price paid in January.
Broader Deadline Outlook and Roster Decisions
Alongside Peralta and Holmes, other Mets rentals on expiring deals—including Brooks Raley, A.J. Minter, and Tyrone Taylor—appear to be locks to change teams before the August 3 trade deadline. Tougher choices face the organization regarding players under control, such as catcher Francisco Alvarez, who has drawn some interest but is not a focal point for a trade given his remaining three seasons of club control. Luke Weaver has also been mentioned as a possible trade candidate.
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