The New York Mets are in the midst of another disappointing campaign. After entering the season as a sneaky playoff contender, the blue and orange are sitting nine games under .500 (26-35) and 16.5 games back of first place in the National League East.
With the disappointing performance for the second year in a row, the Mets are anticipated to be massive sellers at the deadline.
Last year, the blue and orange had two massive trade chips and received respectable hauls for each.
Max Scherzer, who had struggled up to the deadline, brought back at the time the No. 44 prospect in baseball, Luisangel Acuña, from the Texas Rangers.
Justin Verlander got the Mets an even more extensive haul in Houston Astros No.1 prospect Drew Gilbert and No.4 Ryan Clifford.
This year, the blue and orange have another big chip to deal at the deadline, but they may not get the haul that the Flushing Faithful has come to expect.
Pete Alonso may not bring in a big haul for the Mets
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Mets may not get back what fans are expecting if they trade Pete Alonso.
“So, I think they’re going to do well if they sell but they’re not going to get great, great prospects back that fans think they could for Alonso if they do trade Alonso. Because let’s face it, look at the history of trading sluggers who have been rental players,” Heyman said. “You can recall that Arizona didn’t give up much to get J.D. Martinez, who was a superstar at that time when the trade was made. Rizzo, the Yankees didn’t give up that much to bring in Rizzo…I think a rental slugger, even one as great as Alonso, doesn’t get you a haul back.”
Alonso is slashing .237/.309/.475 through 61 games while leading the squad with 14 home runs and is tied for first with 31 RBIs.
- Mets designate former starter turned relief pitcher for assignment
- Mets designate a flamethrower who never appeared for them for assignment
- Mets targeting a ‘modest’ deadline strategy despite hot-streak
Time will tell if the Mets even decide to deal Alonso or keep him around in hopes of getting the 29-year-old to sign an extension before free agency begins. Still, if president of baseball operations David Stearns decides to deal the Polar Bear, the Flushing Faithful may need to temper their expectations for what the organization gets back for a player who has become a fan favorite since he debuted in 2019.