The Chicago Cubs look built to buy before the MLB trade deadline, and the New York Mets may have just handed Jed Hoyer the kind of opening he was waiting for.
Chicago entered the weekend 12 games above .500 and sitting atop the National League Wild Card picture, so the expectation is that the Cubs will be aggressive when the market starts moving. Hoyer and the front office have typically been patient rather than impulsive, but the Mets’ shifting stance could push them into action sooner rather than later.
Not long ago, New York was still resisting the idea of a full sell-off when it dealt David Peterson to the Cubs last month. That posture has changed. Multiple MLB insiders have now reported that the Mets are prepared to sell at the deadline and are open to moving just about anyone on the roster not named Juan Soto, along with some of their younger, controllable pieces.
SNY’s Chelsea Jane reported that relievers Brooks Raley and A.J. Minter are likely to be dealt, while starting pitchers Freddy Peralta and Clay Holmes are expected to draw plenty of interest.
That kind of inventory makes the Mets a natural trade partner for a Cubs team that needs pitching help. The two clubs have done business often in recent years, and another deal before the deadline feels well within reach.
The Cubs’ interest appears to be centered on Peralta, and the Mets could be trying to push the price higher in talks. One report said:
Sources: #Cubs have shown interest in both #Mets pitchers Freddy Peralta and Luke Weaver. The two teams have made a plethora of moves over the past few seasons including one already this year. Heard #Mets are seeking Hartshorn but #Cubs are not willing to part with him at this…
Josiah Hartshorn is the name Chicago is expected to protect in any rental deal, and that stance does not appear to be changing. Luke Weaver is under contract through the 2027 season, but Hartshorn is still likely off limits in negotiations.
Holmes is another name that fits the Cubs’ needs. The Mets converted him into a starter after signing him last season, and he has had success in that role.
There is a catch, though: Holmes is working his way back from a fractured fibula suffered earlier this season and is close to beginning a minor-league rehab assignment. He also has a player option for the 2027 season, though if he comes back healthy and performs well, he would likely choose free agency after the year.
With the Mets offering so many pitchers and the Cubs needing arms, it is difficult to picture these two teams not lining up on another move before August 3. The Peterson talks already showed there is familiarity between the front offices, and those conversations stretched six weeks.
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