Pete Alonso, among 11 players the Mets will “buy out” before the trade deadline

The New York Mets are in the midst of another horrible season at 24-34 and 16.5 games out of first place in the National League East. The playoffs already feel like a big shot, and we’re not even at the All-Star break.

There have already been trade rumors swirling around this ball club due to their awful campaign, and according to USA Today columnist Bob Nightengale, the Mets could shop up to 11 players at the deadline, including the likes of Pete Alonso, Jeff McNeil and Starling Marte:

“The New York Mets could be the epicenter of the trade deadline, with several of their prized players expected to be dealt.

They haven’t started yet, but will soon shop first baseman Pete Alonso, DH JD Martinez, starters Luis Severino, Sean Manaea and Jose Quintana, relievers Adam Ottavino, Jake Diekman and Reed Garrett, infielder Jeff McNeil and outfielders Harrison Bader and Starling Mars. .

The Mets would be wise to trade Alonso, given that if Alonso leaves as a free agent, they will only receive a fourth-round pick as compensation because they are over the top luxury tax threshold.”

It seems highly unlikely that the Mets will trade 11 players, but they are certainly expected to make some moves. When it comes to Alonso, he has yet to receive an extension before free agency this winter, and as Nightengale pointed out, New York wouldn’t get much if he were to hit the open market.

The Seattle Mariners have been mentioned as a possible suitor for the slugger, but they could choose to promote prospect Tyler Locklear, who is absolutely lit up in the minors.

The Mets are a dumpster fire

Being a Mets fan has truly been a nightmare the past few seasons. They spent a lot of money in free agency a few winters ago and went on to miss the postseason in 2023, eventually trading aces Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer at the deadline to the Houston Astros and Texas Rangers, respectively.

In the 24′, injuries played their part, with Edwin Diaz recently going to IL while phenom catcher Francisco Alvarez is also on the shelf. But, the reality is that the Mets just aren’t consistent. They rank 17th in runs scored (4.2) and 21st in ERA (4.24).

The likes of Alonso, Starling Marte, Francisco Lindor, Brandon Nimmo, and Jeff McNeil, among others, all struggle offensively. This is a talented group, but they just can’t pull it off. That puts owner Steve Cohen in a tough position when the trade deadline approaches, especially if New York doesn’t contend.

There was also more controversy surrounding the franchise earlier this week when reliever Jorge Lopez threw his glove into the stands after being ejected for arguing balls and strikes. That led to the Mets designating him for the next day.

“We have standards here,” Carlos Mendoza said, according to SNY. “Behaviour like this, we were not going to tolerate it.”

It just keeps getting worse for New York. And come August, we could see a much different roster if they don’t start winning games soon enough.