The Mets might not only be selling players whose contracts are expiring but also other assets.
Are Mets fans in for another summer clearance? It seems like a string of bad luck or curses. As the team gears up to sell off key players, David Stearns could also consider trading a few lesser-known candidates. These players, either out of options or nearing that point, could become trade deadline casualties. Although they may not fetch significant returns, it’s worth keeping an eye on the possibility of them being dealt this summer.
David Peterson
He has yet to make an appearance on the mound this season, but his debut is expected soon. While he may not be the most high-profile trade option in the team, his future with the Mets next season hinges on being part of the major league roster. With just one minor league option remaining for Peterson, it’s reasonable to expect that it will be utilized at some stage
A team trading for Peterson would get control over him for a few years, as he isn’t set to become a free agent until after the 2026 season. However, this factor doesn’t significantly boost his trade worth. Peterson’s inconsistent performances in the major leagues have prevented him from securing a regular spot in the Mets’ rotation or bullpen.
Nevertheless, teams in need might view Peterson in a manner reminiscent of how the Mets saw Trevor Williams in 2021. He could serve as valuable depth to keep in the minor leagues and deploy in the rotation when necessary. However, before any inquiries are made, Peterson must recover from the injury list and demonstrate full fitness. Additionally, the Mets must acknowledge their current situation and accept their challenges.
Mark Vientos
The Mets ought to think twice about parting ways with Mark Vientos. I believe they won’t unless presented with a substantial offer. Given the uncertainty surrounding Pete Alonso’s future, the team should contemplate using Vientos as a potential replacement at first base for the 2025 season. With his ability to also play third base, it wouldn’t be a bad strategy to have Vientos as a versatile option for both corner infield positions and the DH spot, assuming he maintains his strong hitting performance.
Vientos is in a similar situation to Peterson, except he has already used his final minor league option. This means he can be sent down in 2024, but after this year, he loses that flexibility. It’s likely that the Mets have explored trading Vientos previously. He hasn’t appeared to be a seamless fit for the team due to concerns about his defensive abilities. However, his batting skills have always sparked interest. Given his better performance compared to Brett Baty and the potential for open spots next season, there might finally be some space for him to make an impact.
Teams interested in acquiring Vientos would gain significant control over him, even if minor league options are limited. He could be a prospect akin to Darin Ruf for the Mets in 2022, but younger, and ideally, a better hitter.
DJ Stewart
The Mets still have one minor league option left for DJ Stewart, which is quite important. By not sending him down now, they keep the flexibility to send him to the minors next season depending on the roster situation. This also increases his value as a potential trade asset that they could market before the trade deadline.
Stewart is a capable player for the Mets, but their preference for someone else was evident during spring training. He barely made the roster out of camp. While he has proven himself deserving of a spot in the major leagues, the challenge lies in finding enough playing time for him. The Mets’ roster dynamics don’t seem suited for having both Stewart and an everyday DH like J.D. Martinez.
Unless a team presents an exceptionally attractive offer, it’s likely in the Mets’ best interest to keep Stewart and make every effort to avoid sending him to the minors. Having the option to retain him in Triple-A next year could be immensely beneficial.
Jose Butto
Surprisingly, Jose Butto will also be out of minor league options after this season. Time flies when you’re on the 40-man roster but haven’t seen much action in the majors.
Butto has had a strong performance for the Mets this season. In fact, he might deserve a spot on the major league roster ahead of a few other starting pitchers. Despite being a relatively unnoticed prospect for a few years, he seems more suited to a starting role than being relegated to relief duties.
Butto has certain areas of his game that need improvement, particularly his tendency to issue too many walks, which has been a problem for the 2024 Mets. While many are excited to see his development, ensuring him a spot on next year’s roster seems risky, considering other teams could trade for him this summer. Additionally, he hasn’t reached arbitration yet. If he finds success elsewhere, he could remain with another team for a couple of seasons.
It would be disappointing to see Butto leave given his strong performance for the Mets this year. However, considering that he must either stay with the big league team throughout the 2025 season or become a candidate for designation for assignment (DFA), it’s somewhat easier to accept the idea of him moving elsewhere early in his MLB career.
Sean Reid-Foley
With no remaining options, Sean Reid-Foley is a player the Mets must either fully commit to or trade this summer. Relief pitchers often change teams towards the end of July, and Reid-Foley may become accustomed to this pattern as he is likely to move between several teams in the near future.
Reid-Foley’s impressive start to this season should make other teams view him as a valuable asset for a playoff push, potentially as a hired gun. His acquisition cost shouldn’t be too high. As a controllable piece, a patient team could utilize him in relief for multiple years, adding firepower to their bullpen.
Reid-Foley doesn’t appear to align with the Mets’ future plans. Despite multiple opportunities in the past, he hasn’t made a significant impact until this season, and there’s a chance he could regress. Given the way Stearns constructed the bullpen this year, it’s likely that there’s minimal attachment to any player, especially someone like Reid-Foley who started the year on uncertain ground and might have been designated for assignment (DFA) if not for a timely injury that allowed him to go on the injured list (IL).
The Mets don’t feel a pressing need to trade Reid-Foley, so there’s a possibility he remains with the team past the trade deadline and competes for a bullpen spot in spring once more. He will turn 29 in August, and perhaps this season is when we finally see the Reid-Foley we’ve been hoping for since the 2021 Steven Matz trade.
