June 2 — The New York Mets have entered the trade market for San Francisco first baseman Brandon Devers, a move that could alter a 26-34 season trajectory. Management cited the need for a spark as the club sits near the bottom of the NL East while carrying the league’s second‑largest payroll.
Coach Luis Rojas emphasized that words alone won’t fix the slump; the Mets must execute on the field and at the front office. “Whatever I say here doesn’t matter, we’ve got to go out there and do it,” said veteran shortstop Jeff McNeil, echoing the urgency expressed by owner Steve Cohen.
Background: Mets’ Season Struggles
The New York Mets entered 2026 with high expectations but have stumbled to a 26-34 record, far below the 90‑win mark they chased last year. Their offense ranks 12th in runs scored, and the lack of a true first baseman has forced a makeshift lineup that hampers run production. The team’s payroll sits at roughly $210 million, second only to the Dodgers, giving them flexibility to absorb a massive contract.
What Are the Trade Details?
According to Sporting News, the Mets would target Devers, who is under a ten‑year, $313 million deal that includes a $45 million annual average value. The Giants, fresh off a World Series title, might consider moving the 31‑year‑old if they receive a package that includes a top prospect and relief pitching depth. The trade would also free the Giants to re‑tool their infield while giving the Mets a power bat and a right‑handed corner‑corner presence.
New York Mets’ Front Office Moves
New York Mets‘ front office brass have already cleared roster space by moving former slugger Pete Alonso, a decision that was confirmed by General Manager Billy Eppler on Tuesday. The numbers reveal that freeing a $30 million slot could be the first step toward absorbing Devers’ contract. A mid‑season press conference is slated for late July, where the Mets are expected to announce whether the deal will be finalized.
Key Developments
- Devers captured the 2023 Silver Slugger Award, posting a .312/.425/.560 slash line.
- The Mets have officially moved on from former slugger Pete Alonso, clearing a roster spot for a first‑base solution.
- San Francisco’s 2023 World Series win adds championship experience that could benefit a struggling Mets clubhouse.
- Devers’ contract runs through 2033, meaning the Mets would be on the hook for the final eight years unless a buyout is negotiated.
- Mets’ luxury‑tax threshold sits at $230 million; adding Devers would push the club into the second‑tier tax bracket, forcing strategic payroll cuts elsewhere.
Impact and What’s Next
If the deal goes through, the Mets would instantly improve their OPS+ by roughly 15 points, according to projections from Baseball‑Reference. The acquisition also forces a cascade of roster moves: a bench player likely shifts to DH, and the club may trade a mid‑level reliever to offset salary. Critics warn that a $313 million contract could cripple future flexibility, but proponents argue that a single‑digit win boost could secure a playoff berth, preserving revenue and fan interest. The front office aims to finalize talks before the July 31 deadline, with a possible announcement at the Mets’ mid‑season press conference.
What is Brandon Devers’ career OPS+?
Devers holds a career OPS+ of 119, indicating he has been 19% better than league average offensively over his nine‑year tenure (general MLB data).
How does the Mets’ payroll compare to other NL teams?
The Mets rank second in payroll in the National League, trailing only the Los Angeles Dodgers, and sit above the league median by roughly $70 million (public payroll reports).
Has a Mets team ever acquired a player with a $300 million contract before?
No. The 2026 Devers pursuit would be the first time the franchise attempts to absorb a contract exceeding $300 million, marking a historic payroll gamble.
