The New York Mets have stumbled out of the gate this season, and while the frustration is real, it's far too early to hit the panic button. There's still plenty of time for the team to turn things around—but if they don't, the trade deadline could bring some tough decisions.

According to FanSided's Robert Murray, one of the Mets' brightest arms could be on the block. "If they do decide to sell, they have two of the most intriguing trade assets on the market in starters Clay Holmes and Freddy Peralta," Murray wrote. "Holmes is signed through the 2027 season. That controllability, as well as his 1.86 ERA this season, would make him highly coveted."

And that's exactly why trading Holmes would be a major mistake. The two-time All-Star has reinvented himself as a starter after years as a dominant reliever with the Pirates and Yankees. His contract runs through 2027, giving the Mets something rare in today's game: a proven, elite arm with long-term control.

By 2027, the Mets should be aiming to contend again. Holmes should be a cornerstone of that rotation—especially if Peralta is traded or walks in free agency. Sure, dealing him now might bring back a decent haul, but it wouldn't be as rich as what they'd get by waiting until the offseason, when teams are more desperate and the market is wider.

New York's front office needs to think big picture. Trading Holmes just for the sake of making a move would be shortsighted. There's still time to evaluate where this team is headed, but one thing is clear: dealing a 1.86 ERA All-Star with team control through 2027 isn't just risky—it could set the franchise back years.