The New York Mets have stumbled out of the gate in 2026, posting an 18-26 record that has them anchored at the bottom of the NL East. That early-season struggle has naturally sparked MLB trade rumors, with starting pitcher Freddy Peralta emerging as a potential trade chip. But according to insider Robert Murray, the Mets are "not close to selling" — and there's genuine belief within the organization that this season can still be salvaged.
It's a bold stance for a team that sits 12.5 games behind the division-leading Atlanta Braves and eight games back of the final National League wild card spot. On paper, selling off assets would seem like the logical move. But the front office isn't entertaining that idea just yet, even though several Mets players would undoubtedly draw significant interest from contenders around the league.
Why the optimism? Look at the calendar. The Mets are 8-5 in May, tied for the sixth-most wins in baseball alongside the Cleveland Guardians, Pittsburgh Pirates, and St. Louis Cardinals. More importantly, their pitching staff has been electric during that stretch, posting a 2.85 ERA — good for fifth in the majors. That kind of momentum can change the narrative quickly.
Still, injuries remain a major concern. The rotation just lost Clay Holmes to a fractured fibula, an injury that could sideline him for the rest of the season. All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor is still without a timeline as he recovers from a calf injury, and Jorge Polanco is dealing with Achilles bursitis, with no return date in sight.
The next few series will be telling. After this weekend's Subway Series, the Mets face the Washington Nationals, Miami Marlins, and Cincinnati Reds to close out May. Those are winnable games, and a strong stretch could bring New York within three games of .500 by June. If they can pull that off, the trade deadline conversation shifts from "who's leaving" to "who's joining."
But if the Mets stumble against those opponents? The front office may have to reconsider its stance — and fast. For now, though, the message from Queens is clear: don't count them out just yet.