The New York Mets are facing a pivotal moment in their 2026 season. What started as a campaign brimming with World Series aspirations has quickly turned into a nightmare. At 14-23, the Mets are dangerously close to falling out of playoff contention entirely, and a critical deadline is looming on the horizon.

According to Bruce Levin of 670 The Score, the Mets have reportedly set June 1st as a target date to determine the fate of their season. If they can't turn things around by then, the team could shift gears from contenders to sellers at the MLB Trade Deadline. This isn't just speculation—industry sources suggest the Chicago Cubs have already been in talks with the Mets about acquiring right-handed pitcher Freddy Peralta, a soon-to-be free agent who could be one of the first players moved.

With just 22 games to right the ship, the pressure is on. Peralta may be the first domino to fall, but he likely won't be the last. Names like David Peterson, Clay Holmes, Kodai Senga, Christian Scott, and Sean Manaea could also be on the move if the Mets' struggles continue. The extent of a potential fire sale remains uncertain—the Mets might try to hold onto key pieces for a 2027 push—but the clock is ticking.

While June 1st sets the stage for a reality check, the Mets still have over two months before the actual trade deadline. That leaves plenty of time for the situation to worsen—or for a dramatic turnaround. For now, all eyes are on Flushing as the Mets face a make-or-break stretch that could reshape their roster for years to come.