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Mets Enter Rebuild: Trades Likely to Reshape Roster

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  Published in Business and Finance on Wednesday, February 11th 2026 at 15:17 GMT by Sports Illustrated
      Locale: UNITED STATES

Wednesday, February 11th, 2026 - The New York Mets are firmly in a rebuilding phase, a reality that became undeniably clear in 2024 and continues to shape their trajectory. While a complete teardown isn't guaranteed, the Mets are demonstrably shifting towards prioritizing future assets over immediate contention. This necessitates difficult decisions, and a series of trades this winter appears almost certain to reshape the roster. The team is burdened with a significant payroll and possesses several players who still hold trade value, creating a complex puzzle for General Manager Eppler (or his successor, following the 2025 managerial changes). The question isn't if players will be moved, but who, and what the Mets can realistically extract in return.

Over the last two seasons, the initial promise of the Steve Cohen era has faded. While significant investment was made, the on-field results haven't materialized, prompting a strategic pivot. The team now finds itself in a position where maximizing return on current assets is paramount. This means considering offers for even established players, a challenging but necessary step for long-term sustainability.

Here's an updated look at key players potentially on the move, factoring in performance over the 2025 season and the evolving market landscape:

Pete Alonso:

• Status: 1B - Alonso remains a power-hitting threat, and his offensive output in 2025 was respectable, though a slight dip from his peak years. However, his defensive limitations are still glaring, and his arbitration eligibility through 2025 means a potential qualifying offer decision looms after the 2025 season. Several teams, including the Chicago Cubs and the San Diego Padres, expressed interest in 2024 and 2025 and could revisit discussions.
• Trade Value: High, but potentially diminished. While the allure of a 40+ home run hitter remains, his overall value is influenced by his defensive shortcomings and the rising number of powerful young first basemen entering the league.
• Likelihood of being traded: 45%. The Mets initially resisted trading Alonso, viewing him as a fan favorite and a potential building block. However, a strong offer - involving multiple top prospects - could prove too tempting to ignore, especially given the team's long-term vision.

Edwin Diaz:

• Status: RP - Diaz successfully rebounded from his injury, becoming a reliable late-inning option in 2025, although not quite at his 2023 peak. His performance solidified his status as a valuable closer, but his age is a factor.
• Trade Value: Very High. Proven closers are always in demand, and Diaz's track record, even with some slight regression, commands a significant return.
• Likelihood of being traded: 85%. Diaz remains the most likely candidate. The Mets recognize that re-signing him after 2026 will be a costly endeavor, and capitalizing on his current value is a smart move. Several teams, including the Houston Astros and the Los Angeles Dodgers, are believed to be monitoring his situation.

Jeff McNeil:

• Status: 2B/OF - McNeil continued to be a versatile and consistent hitter in 2025, providing solid offensive contribution. His ability to play multiple positions is a definite asset.
• Trade Value: Moderate. His lack of elite power caps his ceiling, but his versatility makes him appealing to contending teams looking for a reliable utility player.
• Likelihood of being traded: 65%. McNeil is a valuable asset, but also a readily expendable one. The Mets could leverage his versatility to acquire prospects or younger players who fit their long-term plan.

David Robertson:

• Status: RP - Robertson provided veteran leadership and a steady presence in the bullpen throughout 2025. However, his performance showed some decline as the season progressed.
• Trade Value: Moderate. While still a capable reliever, his age and recent performance likely limit his market.
• Likelihood of being traded: 75%. Similar to Diaz, Robertson's contract and age make him a potential trade chip, especially for teams needing bullpen depth.

Other Potential Trade Candidates:

• Francisco Lindor: Still unlikely, but a surprisingly strong offensive season in 2025, coupled with the Mets' ongoing rebuild, has opened the door to conversations. His massive contract remains a hurdle, however.
• Starling Marte: A strong candidate if his offensive numbers continue to decline. He's a valuable defender but needs to hit to justify his salary.
• Tommy Pham: Remains a potential salary dump candidate, especially if the Mets are looking to free up payroll for younger players.

The Mets' offseason will be fascinating to watch. They face a delicate balancing act - generating enough value through trades to accelerate the rebuild, while avoiding a complete gutting of the roster. Successfully navigating this process will be crucial for restoring the franchise to its former glory.