David Stearns flipped high-leverage arms and expiring contracts for a massive prospect haul, prioritizing a long-term rebuild after a flurry of six deadline deals reshaped the roster.
Was trade deadline a success for Mets?
The 2026 MLB trade deadline is officially a past moment to look back on in baseball history after its conclusion on Monday afternoon. For the New York Mets, the deadline brought a slew of trades as a result of a clear-cut sell from President of Baseball Operations David Stearns and the Mets’ front office.
New York was involved in six trades in the final 25-ish hours before the deadline’s conclusion, completely reshaping the club’s near and distant future. In total, nine players departed the Mets since the season’s start while they’ve gotten 13 players in return.
Before we can grade how the deadline played out for the Mets, let’s go over each new deal that went through as the time was running out.
Freddy Peralta → Tampa Bay Rays
Peralta was acquired just last offseason with one year remaining before free agency, but his stint in Queens was not as expected. Despite his ERA hike to 4.99 this season, the Mets were able to land three prospects: OF Aidan Smith (ranked No. 15 in the Rays system), RHP Gary Gill Hill (No. 26), and 2B Emilien Pitre (No. 27)
Luke Weaver → Pittsburgh Pirates
Weaver, also acquired last offseason, was sure to move before the deadline, as his 1.84 ERA made him in high demand among both postseason contenders and hopefuls. Pittsburgh ended up winning the bidding war, sending SS Sammy Stafura (No. 9) to the Mets in return.
Ben Rortvedt → Los Angeles Dodgers
Though he didn’t appear in the major leagues for the Mets at all in 2026, Rortvedt was still dealt in exchange for unranked Dodgers RHP prospect Chase McDermott. Rortvedt posted a .733 OPS in the minor leagues this season. He now ends up as a depth option for the World Series favorites.
Brooks Raley → Philadelphia Phillies
Like Weaver, Raley’s sub-2.00 ERA was sure to be used in a trade at the deadline, with the Mets out of postseason contention. The Phillies were able to convince their division rivals to give them Raley in exchange for OF John Spikeman (No. 27) and RHP Luke Gabrysh (NR).
Huascar Brazoban → Chicago White Sox
New York benefited from the White Sox being ahead of schedule, as the Southside club was willing to send two prospects, RHP Gabe Davis (No. 18) and RHP Zach Franklin (NR), to the Mets for Brazoban. Considering Brazoban won’t hit free agency until after the 2029 season, only one ranked prospect in return may come as a bit of a surprise.
A.J. Minter → Minnesota Twins
The first reliever to be dealt by the club, Minter netted infield prospects Billy Amick (No. 21) and Bruin Agbayani from the Mets on the last day of July.
Clay Holmes and Tyrone Taylor → Chicago Cubs
The Mets were able to snag a return of the Cubs’ second-ranked SS prospect, Jefferson Rojas, in exchange for both Holmes and Taylor. Though injuries have been a problem for Holmes this season, his track record proves his ability when he’s on the mound. Taylor played 67 games for the Mets this season, providing crucial depth in the outfield.
What Grade Do Mets Get?
New York’s intentions at this year’s deadline were as clear as it gets, and they were successful with their goal of being strong sellers. With this year’s outcome already predetermined, thai way the only route Stearns and company could go.
They dealt some of their strongest pieces away and, in return, received 10 prospects who were ranked in their previous club’s top 30, two of whom were in the top 10. As far as sales go, that’s a success. The season as a whole has been a failure, but the last 48 hours for New York have been a bright spot given the circumstances.
The Mets receive an A-. An underwhelming return for Brazoban and no Luis Robert Jr. trade stops the Mets from getting an A or even an A+, but the 2026 trade deadline was undoubtedly a win for New York.
