Trump Mocks Mets' 43-60 Record as MLB-High $329 Million Payroll Flops

Q: With a roster fire sale imminent, which teams will land a Mets star and alter their championship odds?

The likeliest deadline swing team is the Chicago Cubs, with Freddy Peralta and possibly another Mets arm the clearest move that could materially shift October odds. The Mets’ collapse at 43-60 has pushed them into seller mode, and rival executives expect them to move short-term veterans aggressively. Peralta stands out because contenders still value his track record even in a down year, and Chicago’s need is acute after a season full of pitching injuries. Multiple reports tie the Cubs to Peralta, Clay Holmes and bullpen pieces such as Huascar Brazobán, A.J. Minter or Brooks Raley. If Chicago lands even one starter and one late-inning reliever from New York, its playoff ceiling rises immediately. The Phillies are another strong fit, especially for Luis Robert Jr. or Peralta. Philadelphia needs center-field help, a right-handed bat and rotation depth. Robert is risky because of his back issues, but his power, defense and athleticism give him the highest upside among the Mets’ position players likely to move. If healthy, he is the kind of addition that can change a postseason lineup. The Yankees and Red Sox make sense for bullpen or catcher help, with Francisco Alvarez a more creative possibility if the Mets go beyond rental deals. The Mariners and Rangers also loom as offensive fits, particularly for Robert or Jorge Polanco, but those would be more speculative. The safest bet is a Mets pitcher to the Cubs. The highest-upside bet is Robert to the Phillies.

1 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 23

Trump used a Georgia event to ridicule the Mets for losing "all the time," singling out a club that sits 43-60 and 17 games behind Atlanta in the NL East.
The jab landed because New York carries MLB's highest 2026 payroll at $329 million, even after the Dodgers' larger long-term commitments are reduced by deferrals.
That spending has not translated on the field: the Mets are on pace to lose 95 games, rank 27th in batting average, 26th in runs scored and 28th in OPS, with the ninth-worst rotation ERA.
Juan Soto's 15-year, $765 million deal headlines the roster, but injuries and poor production from additions including Jorge Polanco, Luis Robert and Bo Bichette have deepened the collapse.
Trump made the comparison while praising Braves executive Mike Plant for keeping Atlanta competitive, as reports say the Mets have nearly everyone but Soto and top young talent available in trade talks.