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The New York Mets have lost seven straight games, including a 12-4 defeat to the Chicago Cubs on Friday. This slump follows sweeps by both the Oakland Athletics and Los Angeles Dodgers. The team now sits at 7-13, firmly in last place in the National League East.
It is hard to dismiss this as merely a slow start. The Mets simply are not a very good team right now. Finding a path to improvement is difficult even when Juan Soto returns.
Both the lineup and pitching staff contain many weak spots. The changes made by President of Baseball Operations David Stearns this offseason have locked in this core. The team faces a clogged payroll and few movable assets.
This situation makes a one-year turnaround hard to chart. The problems appear to extend beyond the current 2026 season. There is little reason for optimism beyond this seemingly lost year.
Ordinarily, a struggling team would sell assets at the trade deadline. The goal would be to jump back into contention in 2027. For the Mets, it is unclear who they could move.
It is hard to imagine Bo Bichette getting traded. His contract has player options for 2027 and 2028 at high average annual values. He would likely opt in for next season if his hitting struggles continue.
Clay Holmes is the only obvious rental candidate. He is in his final year of team control. His utility as both a starter and reliever could help a contender.
Holmes might fetch something of value in a trade. Beyond him, however, few other moves seem available. The Mets’ roster construction limits their flexibility.
David Stearns would find selling at the deadline difficult. The team’s financial commitments and player contracts create major obstacles. A quick fix for the Mets’ troubles is not apparent.
