Mets get Freddy Peralta trade update that 'makes the most sense'

With the New York Mets going through some struggles this season, sitting at the bottom of the NL East a few days into June, it would not be a surprise if the Mets were sellers.

How far the Mets go in their sale is a big question mark, but as things currently stand, they might only be trading a few players who are set to be free agents.

ESPN's Jeff Passan gave Freddy Peralta, the All-Star ace the Mets acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers this past offseason, a significant trade update that "makes the most sense" for the Mets as a franchise.

Freddy Peralta trade update 'makes the most sense' for Mets

"And with the compensation for potentially losing Peralta in free agency not close to what he'd demand on the trade market, moving him before Aug. 3 makes the most sense," Passan writes.

This update is not an especially surprising one. Players who leave in free agency, even if they sign with a new club after declining the qualifying offer, don't bring back nearly as much as they would in a trade.

With the Mets' poor record, trading someone like Peralta would make a lot of sense. He's a free agent after the season ends, and he's much more valuable to the future of the franchise in a trade than keeping him for the rest of the year.

MORE: Mets projected to still sell at trade deadline by ex-MLB GM

That would change if the Mets can rebound from their poor start to the season. But barring such a turnaround, Peralta should be on the move.

Teams would surely offer a solid package to the Mets for Peralta, as the All-Star ace would be one of the more sought-after pitchers on the market this season.

Trading Peralta might not be the decision fans are hoping for, but this would actually be the best thing to do for the future of the franchise.

More MLB news:

• 5 reasons to believe in Jordan Walker's breakout for Cardinals
• Tarik Skubal being traded by Tigers would help him in free agency
• Cubs’ cost to trade for Tarik Skubal from Tigers revealed by ex-MLB GM
• Yankees’ Ryan McMahon problem has a $25 million release solution
• Phillies extending Cristopher Sanchez to his $107 million deal was genius