Why Mets top trade chip might be 1.89 ERA reliever, not Freddy Peralta

The New York Mets are likely going to be trade deadline sellers this summer, and it would be no surprise for the team to wind up parting with a few key players.

Looking over their roster, the most likely players to be dealt are from the team's pitching staff. Freddy Peralta is the most obvious trade chip this summer for the Mets.

But, as USA Today's Bob Nightengale notes, Peralta might not be the best trade chip on the Mets roster. That distinction likely should go to 1.89 ERA reliever Luke Weaver.

Why Luke Weaver, not Freddy Peralta, is Mets best trade chip

"The Mets' best trade chip might not be starter Freddy Peralta, but actually reliever Luke Weaver," Nightengale writes.

The Mets could wind up trading both, and while the starting pitcher might draw more headlines and interest, the reliever might be the better trade asset.

Peralta has struggled for the Mets this season, posting a 4.66 ERA with 104 strikeouts and a 5-8 record in 20 starts this season. He's also in the final year of club control and will hit free agency after the 2026 season.

Weaver, meanwhile, is signed through the 2027 season, so he'd give a club an extra year of control. Considering he has a 1.89 ERA with 42 strikeouts and a 2-1 record in 36 appearances and 38 innings pitched, his value is sky-high.

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A controllable reliever who has such good production might be a dream trade deadline pickup for clubs like the Chicago White Sox, Pittsburgh Pirates, and other ascending squads looking to build for the future and for the present.

But even teams like the Tampa Bay Rays, Chicago Cubs, and Milwaukee Brewers would surely offer a massive haul for Weaver.

Peralta, on the contrary, hasn't been nearly as good with his 4.66 ERA. Add in his one fewer year of club control, and it makes sense why the Mets' top trade chip this summer might be Weaver and not Peralta.

However, the Mets might keep Weaver for a postseason run in 2027, while Peralta, hitting free agency after 2026, would be worth a lot more in a trade than not.

But, if both are dealt, it will be very interesting to see if Weaver brings back a bigger return or not. It's not impossible, especially when outlining the comparisons between the two Mets veterans this season.

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