Special to Sports News Highlights

(SNH) — The New York Mets’ 2024 season has not gone according to plan.

Preseason power rankings had the Mets as a middle-of-the-pack team that could compete for a playoff spot. Instead, the team is sitting at 27-35 and is stuck in fourth place in the National League East.

Over the last 10 games, the Mets have a 5-5 record. Over the last 15 days, the team is 21st in team batting average, 15th in OBP, and only the Seattle Mariners’ hitters have struck out more. Brandon Nimmo, Francisco Lindor and Jeff McNeil have been vital pieces of the offense in years past, but that whole trio has struggled mightily in 2024.

The pitching staff in Queens has been even more disappointing. On the year, the Mets are 21st in team ERA, 25th in WHIP, and no team in the league has walked more batters than the Mets.

Veteran starter Jose Quintana has struggled to a 5.17 ERA with a 1.39 WHIP. Star closer Edwin Diaz was removed from the closer role after struggling to a 5.40 ERA and converting just five of nine save opportunities. Adam Ottavino, Adrian Houser, Josh Walker, and Yohan Ramirez have all been tagged consistently as well.

With the team’s star players underperforming, rumors have begun circulating about whether the team will be sellers at the 2024 MLB trade deadline. The team sold key pieces at the 2023 deadline like Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer and Mark Canha. It’s possible another sell-off could take place this summer, as the team has another crop of veterans who will intrigue other teams.

USA Today’s Bob Nightengale recently suggested that “up to 11” players on the Mets’ roster could be dealt before the deadline. This includes first baseman Pete Alonso, designated hitter J.D. Martinez, infielder Jeff McNeil, outfielders Harrison Bader and Starling Marte, starting pitchers Luis Severino, Sean Manaea, and Jose Quintana and relief pitchers Adam Ottavino, Jake Diekman and Reed Garrett.

Alonso is the biggest fish here as the slugging first baseman has three All-Star appearances and a career slash line of .250/.339/.523. Alonso is set to enter free agency after the season and the Mets could decide to flip the star instead of risking losing him for nothing. Quintana, Severino, Martinez, Bader and Ottavino will also be free agents after the 2024 season.

The Mets currently have the 13th-ranked farm system in baseball. If the team decides to sell Alonso and other veterans, this could easily become a top-five system in baseball. Is it worth holding on to these players when the team is already in a double-digit deficit in the division?

The Philadelphia Phillies are running away with the NL East. The Atlanta Braves lost star Ronald Acuna Jr., but are still a threat. Even the young Washington Nationals have exceeded expectations and have a leg up on the Mets right now. The Mets need to cut their losses, again, and regroup in time for the 2025 season.

Lindor, Nimmo, Diaz, McNeil, and Kodai Senga are all key pieces who have multiple years remaining on their deals. It would be wise to add young reinforcements to try and supplement this core of players.

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