There is truly only one word to describe the New York Mets 2026 campaign thus far, and that word is disappointing. Despite having one of the highest payrolls in baseball, they enter the second half of the season almost 20 games under .500. Naturally they are expected to sell at the upcoming trade deadline on August 3rd, but not everybody is up for grabs.

The untouchables

The Mets have come out and told other teams they are ready to begin unloading assets to try and reset going into next year. They've also told teams almost everybody on their roster is available for the right price. The only players deemed untouchable are Juan Soto, Nolan McLean, Christian Scott, AJ Ewing, and Carson Benge. All incredibly young players who can be a core part of this organization for years to come. You'll notice one name not on that list... is shortstop Francisco Lindor.

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What is Lindor's market?

There are plenty of teams out there who could use a player of Lindor's caliber, especially those trying to win a world series. The thing that makes a deal less likely is the massive amount left on Lindor's contract with the Mets. The Mets would obviously want whoever they're dealing with to take on the rest of Lindor's contract, but it could be viewed as a desperate move to take on an aging and struggling shortstop for that amount of money.

Those close to Lindor say he hasn't asked for a trade, and remains committed to winning a World Series in Queens with the Mets. But if there is a team out there who makes a big offer at Lindor, do not be surprised if the Mets are willing to move on from their captain.