Should the Mets Trade Jeff McNeil?

As the New York Mets look to reshape their roster following a disappointing 2025 season, one name that has surfaced in trade discussions is veteran utility player Jeff McNeil.

Despite his versatility and solid offensive contributions, McNeil’s future with the team may be uncertain.

Also Read: Digging Deep: The Art of Jeff McNeil’s Hitting

Why the Mets Might Consider Trading McNeil

McNeil, who will turn 34 in 2026, is set to earn $15.75 million, with $12.5 million counting against the Mets’ luxury tax threshold .

While he offers flexibility by playing multiple positions, his declining offensive numbers and the emergence of younger talent like Brett Baty and Ronny Mauricio could make him expendable.

Additionally, his fiery demeanor has occasionally been a point of contention among fans and analysts .

Five Potential Trade Destinations for McNeil

1. Houston Astros – The Astros are known for their analytical approach and could view McNeil’s contact skills and defensive versatility as valuable assets. His ability to play multiple infield and outfield positions would provide depth to their roster.
2. San Diego Padres – The Padres are looking to bolster their lineup and could benefit from McNeil’s bat and flexibility. His experience in various positions would offer their manager options as he seeks to optimize his lineup.
3. Arizona Diamondbacks – The Diamondbacks, with their young and dynamic roster, might see McNeil as a stabilizing veteran presence. His contact-oriented approach could complement their aggressive offensive style.
4. Chicago Cubs – The Cubs are in a rebuilding phase and could use McNeil’s experience to mentor younger players. His adaptability would allow them to experiment with different lineup configurations.
5. Miami Marlins –
   The Marlins have shown interest in improving their offense and could view McNeil as a low-risk, high-reward addition. His ability to get on base and play multiple positions would be valuable to their lineup.

Also Read: Just how important is McNeil

What the Mets Could Receive in Return

In a trade, the Mets would likely seek prospects or young players with high upside. Given McNeil’s age and contract, the return might not be substantial, but potential targets could include:

Pitching Prospects: Teams with a surplus of young pitchers might be willing to part with one to acquire a veteran like McNeil.

Infield Prospects: Teams looking to add depth to their infield could offer young players who are close to MLB-ready.

Outfield Prospects: Given McNeil’s experience in the outfield, teams might offer outfield prospects to bolster their depth.

Conclusion

Trading Jeff McNeil could be a strategic move for the Mets to infuse youth and flexibility into their roster.

While he has been a valuable contributor, the team’s future direction and the emergence of younger talent may make this the right time to part ways.

As the offseason progresses, it will be interesting to see if the Mets find a trade partner that aligns with their rebuilding goals.

Also Read: McNeil Talks About Hoskins’ Hard Slide (Video)