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As the 2026 MLB trade deadline looms, the New York Mets are positioning themselves as significant sellers, with a flurry of activity surrounding their roster. Among the latest developments, the San Diego Padres have expressed interest in right-handed starter Kodai Senga, according to Joel Sherman of the NY Post. San Diego previously pursued Senga when he was a free agent after leaving the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks in 2022.
Senga, 33, has struggled this season, posting an 8.66 ERA over 13 appearances while taking losses in eight of those outings. Despite his struggles, the Padres are desperate for rotation help. Senga is owed $4.7 million for the remainder of this season and $14 million in 2027. He has shown flashes of his former brilliance but has been inconsistent.
Key Analysis
The Mets' trade deadline strategy appears to be focused on maximizing returns for controllable assets. Luke Weaver, who has been dominant with just one earned run allowed in 31 innings since April 30, is drawing strong interest from the Brewers and Pirates, per The Athletic. Unlike pending free agents like Freddy Peralta, Brooks Raley, and Tyrone Taylor, Weaver is under team control through 2027, making him a highly valuable piece. The Mets are likely to demand a significant return, potentially better than the two prospects they received for A.J. Minter.
The Phillies have shown interest in both Peralta and Clay Holmes, with a scout present at Peralta's recent start at Citi Field. Holmes, who is recovering from a fibula injury, is expected to be traded, especially since he is likely to decline his $12 million player option for 2027. The Mets have had mutual interest in an extension, but progress has been minimal, making a trade probable.
Other Mets players attracting attention include catcher Luis Torrens, who has drawn interest from the White Sox, though the Mets are reluctant to move him. Outfielder Tyrone Taylor, a pending free agent, has also been mentioned in trade talks. Additionally, Luis Robert Jr., who holds a $20 million team option for 2027, could be dealt, though his remaining salary may complicate a deal unless the Mets absorb some of the cost.
Originally reported by yahoo.