Mets' Top Two Relievers Linked To Contenders

The New York Mets may not be one of the contending teams itching to bolster their roster at this year’s trade deadline, but they are far from removed from the drama that is sure to ensue. At a 43-59 record, the postseason is out of the picture for New York in all feasible worlds.

That means Mets President of Baseball Operations David Stearns will be fielding calls at the August 3 deadline instead of initiating them, and there are sure to be several Mets who will be representing different clubs in just a few weeks.

In Bleacher Report’s recent article, writer Kerry Miller selected the ideal trade pickup for each contending team in the MLB as the deadline nears. The Mets aren’t contenders and therefore aren’t weren’t given a pickup, but a couple of key bullpen arms were named as pickups for other contenders.

Left-handed reliever A.J. Minter was listed as the perfect trade pickup for the Minnesota Twins, who have a lacking bullpen. In the case that the Twins are going to be buyers at the deadline, which is still up in the air, the Mets are a good place for Minnesota to shop.

Minter made the move to Queens in 2025, but only pitched 11 innings last season due to a torn lat muscle early in the season. His 1.64 ERA was encouraging, however, and he’s continued that form in 2026.

In 20 relief appearances, Minter has posted a 1.80 ERA and 0.95 WHIP. Though it hasn’t been a huge sample size because of his late start ot the campaign, he has been a standout in the Mets’ bullpen and will surely attract contenders at the deadline. It may not be with the Twins, but Minter is likely to find a new home before the season’s end.

Fellow New York reliever Luke Weaver also found his way onto the list, named as the ideal pickup for the Texas Rangers. Having only just signed with the club last offseason, the Mets would be better off selling the righty while his value is as high as it is.

Weaver is in the midst of a 1.98, 1.7 bWAR season across 41 innings pitched. Tied as the second-most valuable pitcher on the roster, Weaver could demand a nice return for a Mets team that has no real purpose in keeping him.

With postseason odds under 1%, the Mets’ direction at the upcoming deadline is a clear one. After what’s been a disastrous season, only a successful trade deadline could serve as a remedy for the Mets. Onto 2027 already.