The story I can verify is actually broader: Jon Heyman has been analyzing the Mets’ trade deadline situation extensively, including his six-point plan for David Stearns that was shared on social media on July 13. The Straight Outta Flushing show with Dexter Henry and Tyler Ward has been covering trade deadline analysis, and they’ve had Jon Heyman on before.
Given the constraint that I cannot find the exact details of a specific recent episode matching the headline, and my instructions state “Only state facts the coverage actually reports,” I should write about what is clearly established in the coverage: Jon Heyman’s trade deadline analysis, the Mets’ situation, the players involved in trade rumors, and recent comments from those players.
MLB insider Jon Heyman said the Mets are in a “tough spot” ahead of the August 3 trade deadline.
Heyman said “right now” the Mets will fight to try and get into the playoff picture, although it is a tough path ahead, and added “I think the expectation is that they will end up selling.”
The Mets might be better off moving some pieces for future assets, although David Stearns is always hesitant to throw the season away and is hoping to make the postseason in 2026.
Heyman shared a six-point plan for David Stearns to turn around the Mets mess starting at the trade deadline on July 13.
Heyman mentioned pitcher Freddy Peralta at the top of the list, although the Mets just gave up a pair of prospects in the offseason to acquire him in a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers.
“I know it probably is,” the 30-year-old Peralta said when asked if it could be his final start with the team. “But I have to focus and keep giving the best of myself. And if it happens, it happens. I’m thankful and grateful to be part of this organization. I know that, so far, I’ve let them down. I haven’t done what I’m supposed to do. But I’m grateful to be here.”
Peralta added “We haven’t done what we were expected to do, in general, especially when I speak about myself.”
Some other candidates Heyman mentioned are all pitchers, with AJ Minter, Brooks Raley, Luke Weaver and even Clay Holmes named by the insider.
Stearns is always hesitant to throw the season away and is hoping to make the postseason in 2026.
Speaking in generalities, Stearns said he envisions constructing future Mets rosters around a core of youngsters plus “a couple guys who are likely headed to Cooperstown one day.” That means A.J. Ewing, Carson Benge, Nolan McLean, Christian Scott, Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor are safe.
Outside of those six, anyone could go.
Juan Soto is dealing with a more severe left calf strain — diagnosed as Grade 2 — that is expected to sideline him until September.
“I feel like we have really good strength coaches here and trainers that have just been helping me,” Soto, 27, said. “It’s just weird, weird for me that I’ve been hurt these couple of times and on the IL. I don’t remember the last time I was twice on the IL in one year. But we just got to figure out what is going on, what is happening, and move forward with it.”
Soto has been the only offensive bright spot in Queens, leading the league with a.408 on-base percentage and a.947 OPS to go with 21 home runs and 52 RBI.
Mets owner Steve Cohen said “So, the odds aren’t good, and it kind of reminds me of ’23 (2023), where listen, I’m not afraid to go down that path, I’ve demonstrated that path. Is that my preference? No, but the reality is it’s going to play out, and we’re going to know. If it’s ambiguous, tougher place to be, then we’ll know, but if we don’t get into gear, it’s not going to be ambiguous.”
Cohen is backing president of baseball operations David Stearns for the remainder of his contract.
Following the firing of manager Carlos Mendoza in June 2026 due to a disappointing 34–47 record, Stearns is under pressure to implement a turnaround strategy.
With one week to go until August 3, the Mets are the second-worst team in the National League, sitting in dead last in their division and 18.5 games back of the first-place Braves.
The Mets acquired Peralta in January with hopes he could be a key starter for a team with World Series hopes, but that has been far from the case. New York is in last place in the NL East at 44-62 with virtually no chance of reaching the playoffs.
When asked if he knows what might happen to him between now and the trade deadline, Peralta said “I don’t know. I can’t control that, and that’s front office stuff.”
A.J. Minter has been effective with a 1.42 ERA over 19 innings.
If David Stearns wishes to cash in on Luke Weaver’s success or on Brazobán’s versatility, now is the time. These players should have real value on the trade market.
Expect to see Freddy Peralta, Clay Holmes, A.J. Minter and Luke Weaver, among others, discussed along with the unlikely-but-possible Francisco Lindor deal.
Luis Robert Jr. is a candidate to be moved before the August 3 Trade Deadline, at least until or unless the team deals Robert.
Multiple scouts and executives said the Mets should end up doing fine on a return for Peralta.