📪 Mailbag Time! NHL Trade Deadline, Mets, Must-Watch Athletes
Answering your questions on the NHL Trade Deadline, the playoff race, Freddy Peralta and the Mets, and more..
Let’s end a busy week with this newsletter’s first-ever mailbag.
Firstly, thank you so much to everyone who fired over questions. We had a really good response, and I’d like to do a mailbag a couple of times a month in an ideal world.
For the first one, we got a bunch of questions about Freddy Peralta and the Mets, and a couple on hockey. If you ask me, that’s a good start. I’ve always said that March is the start of the best time of year in the sports world, simply because there is so much going on and so much to talk about. That will be reflected in today’s mailbag.
Thanks again for your questions.
Okay, onto our inaugural mailbag…
Hey Andrew! What’s on your NHL trade wishlist as we approach the deadline on Friday afternoon?
Hi Neil! This is a perfect place to start.
Although we’ve seen a sharp uptick in trades over the past couple of days, there are still a boatload of big moves I’d like to see happen.
For starters, I want the Buffalo Sabres to be aggressive as they look to end a lengthy playoff drought that currently stands at 14 seasons. That puts them in the same miserable company as the NFL’s New York Jets, and that’s not a table you want to belong at. Currently tied for first in the Atlantic, now is the time for the Sabres to really go all in. They need to start by signing power forward Alex Tuch to a new deal. He has 53 points (25 G, 28 A) so far this season and is a big part of that team. Secondly, revisiting the Robert Thomas talks with the St. Louis Blues should also be seen as a priority. Thomas is 26, he’s about to hit his prime, he ranks third in assists per 60 at 5-on-5 league-wide over the past three seasons, and he would help this team now and in the future. I think making a big splash would send the right message to the fanbase and to that locker room.
Additionally, it is about time Steve Yzerman makes a swing-for-the-fences type move. He’s been methodically rebuilding the Detroit Red Wings for a while now, and it would make sense to do something big today given that they’ve been in the playoff race all year. A second-pairing defenseman and a hard-nosed forward would help down the stretch run. Why not trade for Vincent Trocheck from the New York Rangers? He’s a dependable two-way center, he’s responsible in his own zone, he’s very good in the faceoff circle, he can play in all situations, and he would be the perfect guy to have in the room for a young team looking to take the next logical step.
Outside of what I’ve already mentioned, I’d love for the Penguins to reward what has been a terrific season so far by going out and getting Steven Stamkos from the Nashville Predators. I mean, could you imagine the damage Stamkos and Sidney Crosby could do together? With Crosby’s playmaking, and Stamkos’ lethal shot, the Penguins would be a fun team to watch come playoff time.
Thanks again for the question, Neil. I always love talking hockey, and I’m excited for the stretch run in the NHL.
I’ve always enjoyed watching hockey, especially college (go BG!) and Olympics, but have never gotten into the NHL. Yes, I know that’s a problem on my part, but what races and storylines do I, as a casual, need to get the most out of the rest of the season?
Griffin, hopefully I can help to get you invested in the NHL, because it really is a lot of fun to watch on a nightly basis. As much as I’m a baseball fanatic, hockey has always been my first love.
So, to that end, a good start would be keeping an eye on what happens at the NHL Trade Deadline today. The St. Louis Blues have been unsuccessful in moving some big pieces so far, but they have the kind of trade chips needed to make today a fun one. The Eastern Conference is wide open, so I would be shocked if we don’t see a flurry of last-minute deals. As I talked about above, the Buffalo Sabres and the Detroit Red Wings are two teams that could do with making a major swing, and I’d put the Seattle Kraken and Utah Mammoth in the Western Conference in that category too. There always tends to be a late stunner out of left field, too.
In terms of the race for the playoffs, the Sabres are looking to end a 14-year playoff drought. They’ve been red-hot for a couple of months now and have a lot of talent up and down the lineup. The New York Islanders and the Pittsburgh Penguins have both surpassed all expectations so far this season, and both are battling for second place in the Metro Division. Plus, Islanders rookie Matthew Schaefer is doing special, historical things and is a must-watch. The Wild Card race in the East should be fascinating to watch play out, with the likes of the Blue Jackets, Senators, and Capitals chasing the Canadiens and the Bruins. Out in the West, the Colorado Avalanche are an absolute juggernaut and an easy team to root for, while the Anaheim Ducks are a point behind the Vegas Golden Knights in the Pacific Division, and just traded for stud defenseman John Carlson from Washington in a clear all-in move. If you want intrigue, the Utah Mammoth and the Seattle Kraken, the two newest teams in the league, are both well-positioned in the Wild Card race, but keep an eye out for the upstart San Jose Sharks, led by the uber-talented phenom Macklin Celebrini.
All in all, we’re set up for a really compelling sprint to the finish line down the stretch, and we should be seeing a lot of playoff-intensity hockey over the coming weeks. That should be the perfect entry point for the casual fan.
The Freddy Peralta trade was great for the Mets, but where is the extension? Surely they didn’t go into this with Freddy as a rental?
Hi, Baseball Nerd. Firstly, I think the main priority for the Mets this offseason was getting a frontline starter in that could help to carry the load in 2026. I think they will worry about what comes after this season at a later date, especially with both Nolan McLean and Jonah Tong set to become major parts of the rotation. I think it is entirely possible the Mets are comfortable with Peralta being a rental heading into Opening Day.
However, with that said, I would also be optimistic on the extension front. Peralta has already spoken of how at home he feels in New York, while he’s open to discussing an extension at any point during the year, and that’s key. Plus, Peralta has a familiarity with president of baseball operations David Stearns dating back to their time together in Milwaukee, and I don’t think that aspect can be overlooked here. The only thing I’d be wary of is the fact that Stearns has a reluctance to hand out big deals. In fact, he’s yet to sign a pitcher to a deal longer than three years as head honcho of the Mets. Peralta, who will turn 30 during the 2026 season, has spoken of his desire for his next contract to be a long-term one. Therefore, maybe length could prove to be a sticking point.
But, then again, Peralta is the only player Stearns has traded for twice, so I’d imagine there could be some wriggle room there when it comes to trying to get an extension done. I think if Peralta pitches well, and settles into New York nicely, then it is entirely feasible that an extension gets done at some point during the season. As of right now, I wouldn’t be too concerned if I were you.
Who do you think will have a greater impact on the Mets’ rotation this year: Nolan McLean or Freddy Peralta?
Matt, this is a fantastic question, thank you. I’ve thought about this a lot and, as of right now, I’m really torn. I mean, there is no doubt that McLean has the higher ceiling and should be the future of this rotation. He has the filthy stuff and the intangibles needed to morph into a true ace for the Mets for a considerable amount of time.
However, if you are going to push me for an answer, I’d have to say Peralta, and there’s a good reason for that. Firstly, there’s still some question marks that need to be answered by McLean. Not massive ones, I grant you, but questions that still need answers all the same. For instance, he hasn’t pitched a full season in the majors yet and there is a chance he could burn out towards the end of the season, or at least be in a position where his innings may need to be managed. I also always worry about young arms blowing out. Let’s hope that’s not the case, but we do have to remember that McLean is still young and needs some more seasoning at the highest level.
Therefore, while I think McLean will have a great season and take that next step, I believe Peralta will have the greater impact in 2026. He’s coming off a stellar 2025 season in which he pitched at an incredibly high level, finishing fifth in Cy Young voting after pitching to a 2.70 ERA with a 17-6 record and 204 strikeouts over 176.2 innings. It was the best year of Peralta’s career, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he has a similar kind of year with the Mets. He’s a real workhorse, and he’s the kind of pitcher you want starting a playoff series.
Feel free to hold my feet to the fire on this one, but I’m confident in predicting that Peralta will be the Mets’ best pitcher in 2026 and he’ll play a big role in the rotation being a lot better and more consistent.
I wrote about where the Mets stand in their first base merry-go-round on Just Mets. What are your thoughts on the situation there?
Firstly, I’d urge you all to go and check out Michael’s in-depth breakdown HERE. I’d also recommend subscribing to Just Mets, too, while you are there.
Anyway, in response to Michael’s question, I’m really intrigued to see how things shake out at first base for the Mets in 2026. As of right now, that’s by far the biggest question mark staring this team directly in the face. It can certainly be looked upon as a real area of weakness, too.
Although Pete Alonso was hardly a defensive savant at first, he at least had experience playing the position. The same can hardly be said for Jorge Polanco, who has had less than a cup of coffee at first throughout his career. The other options are also less than sure things. Mark Vientos has not been good defensively at third base, and I’m not convinced he’ll be much better at first. Brett Baty, who is fast turning into a Swiss army knife type of player for the Mets, had a strong showing at first last weekend, displaying strong instincts and a good feel for the position. Maybe we’re looking at a scenario where Baty and Polanco split reps at first, with the latter also being used as a DH half the time. I think that could be the most likely outcome to at least start the season.
Ultimately, my gut tells me that someone we’re not currently talking about will end up manning first base come the end of the season. Maybe Ryan Clifford will earn a call-up later in the year and become part of a platoon at first and at DH with Polanco. Or, maybe, if the Mets are in a strong position by the All-Star break, the front office decides to go out and acquire a proven first baseman. I do agree with Michael that you don’t need Gold Glove defense at first, but you do need someone there who is at least serviceable, and I don’t know if the Mets have that as of right now. I think it is going to be a fluid and ever-changing story at first, and it could well prove to be a real weak point as the season goes on.
Another year, same question: What’s up with the Mets bullpen? And to add, who is in the starting rotation?
Hi Kid. Allow me to answer the second part of your question first.
Freddy Peralta, Nolan McLean, Sean Manaea, Clay Holmes, and David Peterson can be penciled in as locks for the rotation right now, barring injury, of course. Kodai Senga is currently slated to be the team’s sixth starter. Now, I’m not that keen about a six-man rotation, especially when Senga has consistently failed to stay healthy. I don’t think you can rely on him going into 2026. Instead, Tobias Myers, who was part of the Peralta trade, has impressed in camp so far and will be on the Opening Day roster in some capacity. It wouldn’t surprise me if he becomes part of the rotation at some point. Likewise for Christian Scott, who is coming off Tommy John surgery but has a high ceiling.
I think we know what to expect from Peralta at this point, while McLean is developing nicely into a future ace. But this is where the questions begin. Who knows what version of Manaea we will get in 2026? Holmes had a good first season as a starter, and we’ll see if he can increase his workload this year. And Peterson was one of the best pitchers in baseball for the first half of 2025, before falling off a cliff.
In terms of the bullpen, I think there is a lot of boom-or-bust potential there. Edwin DÃaz is a huge loss, obviously. Devin Williams will take over closing duties, but he struggled to adapt to life in New York with the Yankees last year. Luke Weaver, another ex-Yankee, will be a high-leverage arm. Brooks Raley, Myers, Luis GarcÃa, and Huascar Brazobán should also all play big roles, while I don’t think you can overestimate just how big an impact A.J. Minter’s eventual return will have on the bullpen. Bryan Hudson and Craig Kimbrel are battling for the couple of spots that are still open, while Joey Gerber could be another name to watch over the coming weeks.
Health is always a massive factor, obviously, but the Mets are going to need a lot more consistency from both the rotation and the bullpen if they are to have a better year in 2026.
In the four major American sports, who are the athletes that you drop everything to watch?
- Anonymous
This is such a fun question to finish with.
Okay, here goes:
NFL - It has to be Josh Allen. He’s a freak of an athlete, he’s got size, he’s got the arm, and I just love when he plays hero ball.
NHL - I hate to be obvious, but how can I not say Connor McDavid? He’s a human highlight reel. Alternatively, Connor Bedard, Macklin Celebrini, Quinn Hughes, and Kiril Kaprizov would all be on that list too.
MLB - It is a toss-up between Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge on the hitting side, and Tarik Skubal and Paul Skenes on the pitching side. I make sure to stop whatever I’m doing whenever all four are at the plate or on the mound.
NBA - This one is easy: Victor Wembanyama. He’s just a freak of nature and I find myself constantly in awe whenever he’s on the court.
Okay, that was a lot of fun! Hopefully, we can make the mailbag a regular feature here. Thank you again for your questions.