2) Jeff McNeil
Jeff McNeil showing up to spring training would be a fascinating turn when there appears to be teams actually interested in him. Because of his versatility, he’d make a pretty good bench piece under different circumstances. The Mets have a lot of things they can do with McNeil even if it’s not an ideal situation for him personally.
Yes, McNeil is going to get traded. But maybe it won’t be too quick. Once the second base market dries up, which it has yet to do and may take a little longer, then McNeil may end up as a fallback option for a number of teams. Those who miss out on Bo Bichette to become their new second baseman can pivot here. Any team with interest in Jorge Polanco could come calling.
McNeil doesn’t feel like a guy who’ll wear a Mets uniform ever again. However, it’s not inconceivable he’s with the team into February.
Consider him a Plan-B option for multiple teams. The Mets don’t have an urgency to trade him away even with the addition of Marcus Semien. Count him as a guarantee to get traded, but don’t bet on it being too quick. This has potential to be a stand-off as free agents move and players like Brendan Donovan get traded first.
