Injuries have only worsened the slide, with superstar Juan Soto out of action since April 3. In Soto’s absence, the Mets are averaging just 3.27 runs per game, the lowest mark among NL teams, underscoring how far the offense has fallen despite the payroll.
The offseason overhaul under general manager David Stearns has yet to pay dividends. Bo Bichette signed for $126 million to play a position he has never played, while Jorge Polanco replaced team legend Pete Alonso. The two have combined for only two home runs in 148 at-bats this season, illustrating the offensive misfires early in the year.
Clay Holmes has been a rare bright spot in an underperforming rotation. Through four starts, he owns a 1.96 ERA, rebounding from an April hamstring issue to deliver quality contributions. Still, his long-term future is uncertain: the contract includes a $12 million player option for 2027, which he is likely to decline if given the choice as the Mets exercise caution on long-term pitching deals.
Holmes isn’t the only name connected to potential moves. ESPN’s David Schoenfield has tied Freddy Peralta to possible exit scenarios, and the club has also been linked to top prospect Jonah Tong as trade bait if the Mets become contenders this summer. The Mets resisted dealing Tong in the Peralta trade, signaling a careful approach to their future asset base.
Ultimately, the trajectory of the season will shape the Mets’ deadline decisions. If the club remains in free fall, expect more activity aimed at reshaping the roster, with Stearns weighing short-term fixes against long-term rebuilding as he plots the next steps for a franchise trying to rebound from a difficult start to 2026.
