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New York Mets rumors: Jeff McNeil to be traded for starting pitching?

By Kevin Henry

WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 06: Jeff McNeil #6 of the New York Mets bats against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on September 06, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 06: Jeff McNeil #6 of the New York Mets bats against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on September 06, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /
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According to a report citing sources, the New York Mets intend to make infielder/outfielder Jeff McNeil available for a trade once the current MLB lockout ends.

Why the New York Mets are reportedly making Jeff McNeil available after the lockout ends

Why would the New York Mets be looking to move McNeil, who slashed .251/.319/.360 in 426 plate appearances last season? According to the report, the Mets intend to use McNeil as a sweetener in a deal in hopes of receiving starting pitching in return.

The Mets made one of the biggest splashes of the offseason by inking free agent starting pitcher Max Scherzer to a three-year, $130 million deal. He figures to join a top three in the New York rotation along with Jacob deGrom and Taijuan Walker. However, the back end of the Mets bullpen could certainly use some invigoration and that’s where McNeil and his versatility could play a role.

In his four seasons with the Mets, McNeil has one All-Star Game appearance (coming in 2019) and has a career slash line of .299/.364/.459. Last season, however, was the only year that McNeil did not finish with a batting average greater than .300 or OPS+ over 100 (he posted an 88 last season).

McNeil primarily played second base (79 games) and left field (28 games) last season while also spending a pair of games at third base. However, with Robinson Cano scheduled to once again join the Mets next season and likely take over at second base and Mark Canha signed as a free agent to be New York’s primary left fielder, options for McNeil may be limited with the Mets in 2022, making him expendable.

There was also issues with McNeil off the field last season, including a run-in with teammate Francisco Lindor in early May which led to Lindor grabbing McNeil by the throat. The argument supposedly stemmed from McNeil’s issues with defensive positioning.

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After a down season and controversy with teammates, this could well be the perfect time for the Mets to try to deal McNeil. However, what they will be able to get for him in return could be the biggest determining factor if he is still in a Mets uniform in 2022.

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