The second half of the 2026 season is underway, and there are less than three weeks to go before the Trade Deadline on Aug. 3.
Here’s a look at some of the latest hot topics swirling in the rumor mill, including the Mets making moves toward selling, the potential of a Hunter Greene trade and more.
Mets ready to sell; Lindor not off limits
New York even appears open to dealing shortstop Francisco Lindor, though his lackluster 2026 production, sizable contract and full no-trade clause make a trade “very unlikely,” per Heyman, who notes that a source close to Lindor said it’s “not happening.” Lindor himself has declined to answer whether he’d consider waiving his veto power. The 32-year-old is signed through 2031 at an average annual value of $32 million.
Bo Bichette is also considered unlikely to be traded. The 28-year-old infielder has slashed .293/.330/.470 with eight homers in his past 51 games after a dreadful start to his Mets tenure, but he has a pair of $42 million player options left on his deal and will make $5 million if he opts out.
What does Burns’ extension mean for Greene’s trade chances?
However, the Reds’ agreement with Burns raises new questions about their plans for Greene, whose six-year, $53 million deal runs through 2028 and includes a ’29 club option.
At 43-52, the Reds are likely going to be Trade Deadline sellers this year, but none of their obvious trade chips are expected bring back a significant return. It’s possible they’ll consider dangling Greene to free up payroll and bring back some young talent.
While Greene’s career has been beset by persistent injuries since the club took him second overall in the 2017 MLB Draft, he has incredible stuff and pitched like an ace across 2024-25 (2.76 ERA, 10.5 K/9). He’d surely draw a ton of interest if he’s made available, especially if the Tigers’ Tarik Skubal, the Twins’ Joe Ryan and the Red Sox’s Sonny Gray don’t end up being dealt because their teams are in playoff contention.
Greene missed most of the first half after undergoing right elbow surgery in March and allowed eight runs in his return on July 4, but he followed that up with a 12-strikeout masterpiece over seven scoreless innings against the Cubs on July 10.
Bullpen becomes more of a Deadline priority for Phillies
The Phillies were already expected to be in the market for bullpen help at the Trade Deadline, but their needs have become even more acute after an MRI revealed a UCL tear in Brad Keller’s right elbow.
All-Star closer Jhoan Duran (1.38 ERA) has been rock solid, but the bridge to get to him — a role that was largely expected to fall on Keller this season — has been far from consistent. Outside of Orion Kerkering (2.43 ERA), the Phillies have had to mix and match in their attempt to navigate their way from their starter to Duran. The club’s left-handed contingent led by José Alvarado has been particularly disappointing.
With Keller done for the year, Philadelphia is likely to be among the most aggressive teams in pursuit of relief pitching in the coming weeks. As The Athletic’s Matt Gelb (subscription required) notes, the Mets could make sense as a trade partner for the Phillies. New York has both lefty (A.J. Minter, Brooks Raley) and righty (Weaver, Huascar Brazobán) relievers to offer.
