Per Jon Heyman of the New York Post, Sato is the top hitter in the NPB by OPS (1.026) and the Yankees are very interested in him. Sato is highly expected to try his luck in the MLB after the 2026 season and is 27 years old. He is posting a line of .317 AVG | .404 OBP | .622 SLG% | 205 wRC+ right now.

Sato is not an elite prospect. He is a superstar and a finished product waiting to prove his worth in the Majors. Right now, big markets are waiting on him as the two Big Apple teams and Los Angeles are monitoring him.

Are the NY Mets, Dodgers competition for Yankees?

The New York Mets are a money-loaded team with no success whatsoever. They see Sato as one of the guys who could help them turn their fortunes. The Yankees should have leverage over their city rivals to land Sato.

However, the Dodgers are the end-all, be-all of the MLB. Also, they have a lot of Japanese superstars like Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Roki Sasaki that could help sway Sato’s desire.

Who would Sato replace?

If the New York Yankees were to sign the Japanese infielder/slugger, Sato would be positioned to replace Ryan McMahon at third base or provide an option at other corner infield and designated hitter spots.

A potential acquisition of Sato could also impact corner outfield or bench depth depending on how the Yankees structure their alignment. What is for sure, the team that lands Sato will get an upgrade.

“The plan is to be here for my contract. When I signed up here, it was to be in the good times and bad times and to win,” Lindor said via Mike Puma. The shortstop is looking to quickly bounce back in New York before considering new horizons.

Last in the NL East with a losing record of 53-68 and an interim manager at the helm, the Mets will have to slowly map out their future while trying to finish this disappointing season on a respectable note.

What’s Francisco Lindor’s contract situation?

Francisco Lindor is firmly anchored to the New York Mets through a massive 10-year, $341 million contract extension signed in April 2021. Running through the 2031 season, the deal carries an average annual value (AAV) of $34.1 million, making it the richest contract ever awarded to a shortstop and the largest deal in franchise history.

The agreement features a $21 million signing bonus, full no-trade protection, and $50 million in deferred payments structured to be paid out from 2032 through 2041. Settled securely as the core face of the franchise, Lindor remains under contract with no opt-out provisions, guaranteeing his presence in Queens through his mid-30s.

A season full of ups and downs

Francisco Lindor’s season with Mets has been disappointing compared to his usual high standards, heavily disrupted by a severe left calf strain suffered in late April that sidelined him for nearly two months. Having missed over 50 games, the star shortstop has struggled to find consistent rhythm; through mid-August across 63 games (275 plate appearances), he is slashing just .242/.327/.439 with 11 home runs, 30 RBIs, and 36 runs scored.

Though he has shown flashes of heating up recently, the injury setback and extended absence have turned this into one of the most frustrating campaigns of his career.

Interim manager Andy Green will now have to rely on other names for the final stretch of the season. Sean Manaea, David Peterson, Nolan McLean, Christian Scott, and Kodai Senga will be the pitchers taking the mound as starters for the Mets.

According to the insider’s announcement on X, another player heading to Chicago is Tyrone Taylor. In this way, New York is beginning to shape its roster in an effort to make a push and secure a Wild Card spot.

The intriguing Mets-Cubs trade

The New York Mets are acquiring top prospect Jefferson Rojas from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for right-handed pitcher Clay Holmes and outfielder Tyrone Taylor. Rojas, a highly regarded infielder rated as one of the top prospects in Chicago’s system, comes to New York as the centerpiece of the deal, which remains pending physical examinations, according to Jon Heyman.

Mets’ big loss following the Holmes trade

By trading Clay Holmes, the Mets lose a highly reliable rotation arm who was delivering elite productivity before suffering a fractured right fibula on May 15. Prior to his injury, Holmes posted a stellar 2.39 ERA, a 1.10 WHIP, and a 4–4 record with 45 strikeouts across 52.2 innings pitched (9 starts) in 2026.

Losing his efficiency leaves a notable void in New York’s pitching depth, as he had established himself as one of their most effective starting pitchers before being sidelined.

The Mets’ departures so far

At the 2026 trade deadline, the New York Mets operated as full sellers, trading away several key contributors on expiring contracts to restock their farm system. The departures were headlined by starting pitchers Clay Holmes (Chicago Cubs) and Freddy Peralta (Tampa Bay Rays), alongside high-leverage relievers A.J. Minter (Minnesota Twins), Brooks Raley (Philadelphia Phillies), Luke Weaver (Pittsburgh Pirates), and Huascar Brazoban (Chicago White Sox).

On the position player side, outfielder Tyrone Taylor joined Holmes in the deal to Chicago, while catcher Ben Rortvedt was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Additionally, the team cleared 40-man roster spots by designating players like outfielder MJ Melendez for assignment.

“Mets still expected to deal Holmes, Robert Jr. and Taylor,” the insider revealed on X. It appears that one of the most talented pitchers on the roster and the Mets will ultimately be going their separate ways this season.

The Mets are reportedly not looking to move Luis Torrens, nor are they expected to part ways with Bo Bichette. One player who did not receive the same treatment was Freddy Peralta, who was sent to the Tampa Bay Rays.

Luke Weaver is no longer a Met

According to ESPN’s Jorge Castillo, the New York Mets have agreed to trade right-handed pitcher Luke Weaver to the Pittsburgh Pirates. In exchange for the veteran reliever, New York receives infield top prospect Sammy Stafura.

In this way, the Mets part ways with a pitcher who had posted a 1.88 ERA, 44 strikeouts, and a 0.84 WHIP over 43.0 innings pitched this season. The Pirates ultimately won the race for his services over the Chicago White Sox.

The Mets’ pitching rotation ahead

If Clay Holmes finally leaves the team, the Mets’ starting rotation relies on a solid blend of proven veterans and emerging arms. The group is anchored by experienced left-hander Sean Manaea, alongside Nolan McLean and Christian Scott leading the front end of the staff.

Young righty Zach Thornton continues to step up in a starting role, while options like Bryce Conley provide key depth to round out the five-man unit.

“Several teams are looking for catching, but Mets have no plans to move Luis Torrens, one of the best defensive catchers in game,” the insider revealed on X. Torrens, in this way, appears to be headed toward the same outcome as Bo Bichette, who is unlikely to be traded.

The one who did not have the same fate was Ben Rortvedt. The catcher, in a move also revealed by Heyman, was sent to the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for pitcher Chayce McDermott.

The Mets have an elite catcher

Despite being targeted by the Chicago White Sox in recent trade talks, Luis Torrens has remained a key depth piece behind the plate for the New York Mets throughout the 2026 season. Operating primarily in a backup role, the Venezuelan catcher has posted a .216 batting average with 2 home runs and 20 RBIs across 185 at-bats, providing steady defensive handling for New York’s pitching staff.

A season to forget

Despite entering the season with high expectations after acquiring several marquee stars during the offseason, the New York Mets have been a major disappointment, sitting at a frustrating 47-66. While they aren’t mathematically eliminated from playoff contention just yet, they face nearly impossible odds—trailing by 19.5 games in the NL East and 12.5 games in the Wild Card race with under 50 games left.

Barring an unprecedented miraculous run down the stretch, a roster packed with high-priced talent is on the verge of watching October baseball from home.

What’s next for the Mets?

The Mets are embarking on a six-game road trip through the AL and NL Central. They kick off a three-game series against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field from August 4–6, before heading to PNC Park to face the Pittsburgh Pirates from August 7–9. They’ll look to build some momentum away from home before travelling down south to Atlanta.

The Rays sent three minor league prospects to the Mets in the names of outfielder Aidan Smith, infielder Émilien Pitre, and right-hander Gary Gill Hill. All in all, it seems like a bargain but Peralta is playing on an expiring deal.

Per ESPN Insights, the Rays have the 5th-best ERA in MLB this season (3.50). So, they should be the ones able to help Peralta get back in top form. Peralta has career-worsts in ERA (4.99), WHIP (1.48), Strikeout Rate (22.1%), Opposition OPS (.790) this season.

Is Peralta on the decline, or is it the Mets’ fault?

The case for Peralta is a tale of two ends. Yes, playing for the Mets this season is not motivating and will hamper your stats as their defense is atrocious. However, Peralta has some responsibility himself.

His strikeout rate fell dramatically from 28.2% with the Milwaukee Brewers to 22.1% with the Mets. Scouts noted that Peralta lost notable velocity on his four-seam fastball and his signature extension. His overall whiff rate also plummeted from 30.1% to 26.8%.

Tampa Bay Rays’ starting rotation for the remainder of the 2026 MLB season

“Bo Bichette, whose contract contains a no-trade clause, said the Mets haven’t come to him with any proposals. Says it’s highly unlikely he will be dealt,” the Mets insider revealed on X.

The New York Mets have already sent AJ Minter to the Minnesota Twins, and Clay Holmes also appears increasingly likely to leave Queens. Additionally, the Tampa Bay Rays acquired Freddy Peralta in exchange for three minor league players.

Bo Bichette has yet to find his footing with the Mets

Despite high expectations, Bo Bichette’s tenure with the New York Mets has failed to convince both the front office and the fan base. Playing in 111 games through August 2, Bichette has struggled to produce at his usual elite level, posting a disappointing .256 batting average along with 10 home runs, 53 RBIs, and a sub-par .680 OPS. Those numbers drew criticism, which Bichette addressed himself.

Far from the dynamic offensive spark plug he was in Toronto, his lack of consistency at the plate and defensive lapses have made his transition to Queens a frustrating story in New York so far.

Bo Bichette’s intriguing contract

In January 2026, Bo Bichette joined the New York Mets by signing a massive three-year, $126 million contract carrying a $42 million average annual value. Designed with significant flexibility and leverage for the star infielder, the deal includes opt-out provisions after both the 2026 and 2027 seasons, accompanied by a $5 million bonus if he chooses to exercise them.

Crucially, to secure complete control over his future in Queens, Bichette secured a full no-trade clause in the agreement, preventing the franchise from moving him without his explicit consent.

“Obviously, with the situation we’re in, we know that it’s pretty likely,” Holmes said after being asked whether it was possible that he would no longer be with the Mets after August 3.

After beginning the 2026 season with a 2.39 ERA, Holmes suffered a fractured fibula in mid-May after being hit by a line drive. Now, he will look to return to his best form, although it remains uncertain whether that will happen in New York or with another team.

Holmes’ future appears to be away from Queens

Holmes potential departure from the Mets appears almost unavoidable primarily because contract extension talks have stalled with no substantive progress, making a pre-deadline deal the team’s best option. With the Mets shifting into seller mode to restock their farm system, retaining an expiring asset makes little strategic sense.

Furthermore, because Holmes will almost certainly trigger his opt-out clause following the 2026 season to test free agency, New York’s front office faces immense pressure to trade him now rather than risk losing him for minimal compensation in the winter.

Holmes’ numbers with the Mets

After signing with the New York Mets prior to the 2025 season and transitioning into a full-time starting role, Clay Holmes posted an 11–8 record with a 3.53 ERA and 129 strikeouts over 165.1 innings (33 starts) in 2025. Continuing as a key fixture in Queens, Holmes has built on that performance in 2026, recording a 4–4 record with a stellar 2.39 ERA, 45 strikeouts, and a 1.10 WHIP across 52.2 innings in 9 starts.

How could the Mets eventually replace Holmes?

If the Mets decide to move Clay Holmes ahead of the deadline, they will likely turn to veteran left-hander Sean Manaea and young starter Christian Scott (or rookie Zac Thornton) to absorb his rotation spot and workload. Manaea provides proven major-league experience to step back into a full-time starting role, while Scott gives New York high-upside rotation length as the front office relies on internal depth to keep the pitching staff intact for the stretch run.

“It’s only human nature to be paying attention to what’s happening out there. We’re going to miss Minter. He’s a true professional, a guy that even during his rehab, he was always extremely optimistic and worked hard. When he was here, he gave everything he had. We’re going to miss a guy like that,” he said to the press.

Lindor was recently linked to the New York Yankees, while another player who could potentially find a new team is Freddy Peralta. For now, however, both remain members of the Mets.

“When it comes to Peralta, he’s still here. He’s still my teammate and just kind of what I expect, him continuing to be my teammate. Whatever happens, happens. It’s not my job. My job is to play shortstop.”

How will the Mets replace Minter?

To replace A.J. Minter for the rest of the season after trading him to the Minnesota Twins at the deadline, the Mets might rely heavily on their internal bullpen depth—leveraging setup arms like Brooks Raley and promoting young arms from Triple-A Syracuse—while pivoting into seller mode to retool their roster.

Before the trade, Minter was stellar in high-leverage late-inning spots, posting a 2.35 ERA, 20 strikeouts, just 2 walks, and a 1.00 WHIP across 23.0 innings in 23 relief appearances this season.

Finalizing the roster

The season has not gone as expected for the New York Mets, even after the dismissal of Carlos Mendoza. Now, with Andy Green serving as interim manager, the team in Queens will have until August 3 to finalize the roster’s remaining moves, which could provide a renewed chance to make a push for the playoffs.

“Thank you New York. You welcomed this long time rival and my wife with open arms. Super thankful to the Mets, staff, teammates and Amazin’ Met fans for everything you have done for me,” he wrote on his official Instagram account.

His post was quickly flooded with messages of appreciation as well as a large number of likes. The Mets’ official account also acknowledged the message, responding with a simple “Thank you.”

Minter’s time in Queens

After signing a two-year contract with the New York Mets in January 2025, left-handed reliever A.J. Minter has provided solid output from the bullpen despite dealing with early health setbacks. In his shortened 2025 debut season in Queens, he was limited to 13 relief appearances due to injury, posting a dominant 1.64 ERA with 14 strikeouts over 11.0 innings.

Building on that efficiency in 2026, Minter logged a 2.35 ERA, a 1-1 record, and 23 strikeouts across 23.0 innings pitched in 23 games, continuing to serve as a reliable late-inning weapon when healthy.

Mets’ return in AJ Minter trade

In exchange for A.J. Minter, the Mets bolstered their organizational depth by acquiring infielder prospect Bruin Agbayani and infielder Billy Amick. Agbayani brings an intriguing blend of athletic upside and positional versatility to the system, while Amick adds significant right-handed raw power and strong corner-infield potential.

By converting a veteran bullpen asset into two promising young infielders, New York successfully reloaded its pipeline with high-upside talent for the future.

According to ESPN, the Yankees are open to parting with relief pitcher Camilo Doval. However, they would prefer to replace him rather than simply subtract a right-handed arm from their bullpen in the middle of the 2026 MLB season. As a result, many have pointed to Mets reliever Luke Weaver, who may be open to a change of scenery that wouldn’t require much of a fresh start.

“Luke Weaver. He is the reliever the [Yankees] need,” as commented by Jimmy O’Brien on Talkin’ Yanks. “The Yankees need someone who can replace Doval, someone who can get [right-handed batters] out. Go get him, the Yankees fixed [Weaver], go rescue him.”

Weaver could be back with Yankees

After claiming Weaver off waivers in 2023, the Yankees unlocked the reliever’s potential. Weaver went on to post two strong seasons in the Bronx, including a career year in 2024, when he recorded a 2.89 ERA and struck out 103 batters. Weaver signed with the Mets as a free agent ahead of the 2026 MLB season.

Although his production has been as good as expected, the Mets are struggling and appear to be trending toward becoming sellers at the trade deadline. Doing business with the organization in the Bronx is hardly an appealing option for the Mets, but the return could make it worthwhile.

For the Yankees, just how much they would be willing to give up for Weaver remains to be seen. Regardless, having to address the void left by Bellinger‘s injury certainly doesn’t help. Still, the Yankees are usually cunning enough to figure their way around trade deadlines.

Another thing to keep an eye on

Weaver isn’t the only Mets pitcher gaining traction ahead of the trade deadline. In fact, another arm generating buzz also happens to be a former Yankee. The Chicago White Sox have been linked to Clay Holmes in a move that could influence the odds of Weaver being traded.

Although Holmes has become a starting pitcher in Queens, he previously worked as a reliever in the Bronx. The chances of the Mets moving both pitchers seem slim, but nothing can be ruled out.

Weaver’s contract

Although Weaver is drawing plenty of interest ahead of the trade deadline, the Mets may not be in any rush to move him out of Queens. The 32-year-old is signed to a two-year, $22 million contract through 2027. Under that deal, Weaver is set to earn $9.5 million this season, followed by a $12.5 million salary in 2027, according to Spotrac.

Perhaps the Mets would prefer to trade him to avoid paying the larger portion of the contract, but parting with one of their top relievers—especially if it means strengthening the Yankees’ World Series hopes—may come with a price tag too steep for any interested team.