Mets Rumors: Jeff McNeil trade whispers seem to have silenced

The New York Mets trade rumor, which suggested teams were inquiring about Jeff McNeil, seems to have gone silent.

Last week, we learned an interesting New York Mets trade rumor. According to Matt Ehalt of The Record, teams were interested in seeing what it would take to acquire Jeff McNeil.

McNeil is certainly a strange trade candidate. It’s nothing personal. He just doesn’t fit the mold as someone swapping uniforms from a losing team to a winner this season.

The 26-year-old has been a productive player this season. His power numbers have spiked and his batting line has also reached new levels. What makes this so interesting is that he has yet to play a single big league game.

At the trade deadline, sellers are typically looking to move major league talent. Guys on expiring contracts are favorites to trade. Players like McNeil are the least of their concern.

While we can take away from Ehalt’s report that teams were interested in McNeil, what we don’t know is where the mind of Sandy Alderson is. Until recently, the Mets had a fighting chance at contending. When I say fighting, I mean flailing while pinned on the ground. At least there’s some life there.

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This is no longer the case. The Mets are not near the bottom of the National League. They are right there with the Cincinnati Reds and Miami Marlins.

From what I’ve seen, there haven’t been any other reports about a possible McNeil trade. Certainly, teams would have some desire to add him. Even without a major league game on his resume, there’s something special with the kid.

Fans hoping McNeil gets his shot at playing in Citi Field can rest assured that the Mets will not trade him. He’s too affordable to risk moving and watching him turn into a superstar elsewhere. There are enough of those players already.

McNeil has a chance to play for the Mets sooner than later. Once they trade Asdrubal Cabrera, second base opens up. They should not delay promoting McNeil. That job must get handed to him immediately.

Unfortunately, I see a future where Jose Reyes starts playing at second base every day after the impending Cabrera deal.

McNeil has a future with the Mets organization. How it turns out is up to him. He needs to carry over his minor league success in 2018 to the MLB.

Next: Best trade destinations for Jacob deGrom

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If he can, McNeil has a real shot at a starting job within the next few weeks.