The New York Mets are enduring an absolutely disastrous 2026 season so far. After dropping their last two games, in which they scored two combined runs, New York currently has the worst record in baseball. Despite having the highest total payroll in the league, the Mets have just 15 wins over their first 40 games of the campaign.
Injuries have undoubtedly hurt the club in 2026. In fact, New York has six players on the current injured list, including key hitters Francisco Lindor, Jorge Polanco, and Luis Robert Jr. Superstar slugger Juan Soto also previously missed substantial time with a calf strain. Partially because of the ongoing issues, the Mets are averaging just 3.48 runs per game this season. This is the second-worst tally in the entire league.
Nevertheless, several key healthy players are also struggling at the plate. Bo Bichette, who was just handed a three-year, $126 million contract, has a negative WAR in 2026. Veteran Marcus Semien and star rookie Carson Benge have also failed to produce during the current campaign. As a result, the Mets are being urged to target another trade to bring in reinforcements.
The Athletic’s Tim Britton recently named several potential trade candidates for New York. Stars such as Mike Trout and Byron Buxton were included, but were labeled as “too complex” to acquire. Britton also listed several players who were linked with moves away in the offseason, including Ketel Marte and Jarren Duran. However, Colorado Rockies outfielder Mickey Moniak was perhaps the most realistic option to make the reporter’s list.
Mickey Moniak Could Become Sensible Option for the New York Mets
GettyMickey Moniak would lead the New York Mets in several offensive categories in 2026.
Moniak is a former first overall selection in the 2016 MLB draft. Although he struggled to start his big-league career, the outfielder has found a good home in Colorado. Some will say that the hitter-friendly Coors Field will do that to a player. This could very well be true, but the former top prospect seemingly began to take a major step forward with the Los Angeles Angels in 2023.
Since joining the Rockies, Moniak posted a career-high .518 slugging percentage and .824 OPS in 2025. So far this season, the slugger has improved even more at the plate. In fact, he currently leads all National League hitters with an impressive .655 slugging percentage this season. The New York Mets could certainly use an influx of power in their lineup. As a team, New York has the lowest slugging rate in all of baseball (.341).
If the Mets were to land Moniak, he could play any of the three outfield positions. With Soto cemented in left, and Robert Jr. out with an injury, he would likely slot in at center field. At the moment, New York center fielders are slashing just .229/.308/.336.
New York Urged to Make a Move Sooner than Later
Potentially targeting Moniak would be significantly easier for the New York Mets than other options. As Britton pointed out, Trout and Buxton would be tough deals to strike this early in the season. Even grabbing Duran from the Boston Red Sox could prove to be difficult right now.
Moniak previously signed a one-year, $4 million contract with Colorado before the 2026 season. He is eligible for arbitration in 2027 before becoming a free agent in 2028. Nevertheless, the Rockies could look to offload the slugger to receive a prospect in return. One thing is seemingly certain: the Mets cannot afford to sit on their hands and just wait for things to turn around.
Mets May Target Trade for N.L. Slugging Leader to Boost Offense