Mets assess trade options ahead of August deadline

Scouts were on Citi Field Sunday to re-evaluate New York Mets players as the August 3 trade deadline approaches, a period that could see one of the franchise’s most extensive sell-offs. Front office officials are focusing on a handful of candidates whose market value is shifting in the final week.

President of baseball operations David Stearns is expected to consider offers for pitcher Jameson Taillon, who has two months of team control left and has struggled with efficiency this season. A scout for a potential acquiring team suggested the Mets could receive a prospect ranked in the top 10 of an organization’s prospect list, a modest return reflecting Taillon’s rental status.

Outfielder Brandon Nimmo, who returned from the injured list in late June, has posted a 1.403 OPS with five home runs in 18 games, primarily against left-handed pitching. His recent three-run homer against right-hander Evan Phillips highlighted his resurgence, and teams needing right-handed power, such as Philadelphia or Atlanta, may show interest.

First baseman Pete Alonso, who also came off the injured list, has hit two home runs in six games and drawn three walks in his last two appearances. While his upside exceeds Nimmo’s, his recent lumbar spine injury and a $7 million salary plus a $2 million buyout make him a pricier asset. Owner Steve Cohen could absorb part of the cost to secure a higher-valued prospect in return.

Reliever Adam Weaver avoided a bases-loaded RBI on Sunday with a defensive play described by interim manager Andy Green as “crazy athletic.”

"That was a crazy athletic play," Green said after the game. Weaver, who has struggled with velocity and strikeouts in July, remains the Mets’ most reliable bullpen arm and is likely to be retained unless the club receives a significant offer.

The Mets’ trade strategy this week will balance immediate roster needs with long-term asset management as the deadline draws near.