Mets' sell-off expected to continue with pair of outfielders 'likely to be traded'

After assembling a record-setting payroll this offseason, the New York Mets waved the white flag on Thursday, sending reliever David Robertson to Miami in the first of many anticipated trades.  

According to SNY's Andy Martino, several Mets are available ahead of the Aug. 1 trade deadline, including outfielders Tommy Pham and Mark Canha, who "are likely to be traded." While Martino didn't mention what teams are eyeing the two, Sports Illustrated's Pat Ragazzo has since reported that the Los Angeles Dodgers have shown interest in the veterans. 

Although Canha, 34, has struggled in his second season in Queens, hitting .242 compared to his .266 average from 2022, he has a proven track record for getting on base and has a desirable club option for 2024. Pham, on the other hand, is in the midst of a resurgent season, posting his highest OPS since 2019 (.813), and figures to be one of the top rentals on the market. 

Ragazzo notes that the Mets are seeking a return similar to what they received for Robertson, which was Miami's Nos. 18 and 21 prospects, for Canha and potentially Pham.

"Per sources, the Mets are seeking a lower minor league prospect outside of an organization's top 10 in exchange for Canha," Ragazzo wrote. "It is unknown as to what they're seeking in return for Pham, but it could be similar." 

Following Thursday’s 2-1 win against Washington, Canha told reporters that the trade rumors are on his mind but don't come as a surprise. 

"We're all professionals here, we know what the business is like, and we know the facts," Canha said. "And the facts are that we're not in a great spot at the time being, and it doesn't help us that the trade deadline is now instead of in two weeks. We probably should've played better earlier if we wanted to be buyers instead of sellers."

Aside from Canha and Pham, both Ragazzo and Martino wrote that New York could also part ways with lefty reliever Brooks Raley and backup catcher Omar Narváez. Additionally, it appears the Mets will hang on to right-handers Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer despite being open to holding talks around them. 

As frustrating as the situation is for the Mets, especially after 2022's 101-win season, selling off some of their veterans should help position themselves for success in 2024 and beyond.