4 NY Mets contracts that could hold them back from having the best roster possible

3) Jeff McNeil

Which version of Jeff McNeil shows up in 2025? Is it Happy Jeff or Dad Rage McNeil? McNeil has become a more difficult to predict player. Once guaranteed to bat over .300, three of his last four years have been far less productive. He reached a new low in 2024 by hitting .238 but with a pretty awesome second half before a season-ending injury.

McNeil is guaranteed $15.75 million in each of the next two seasons with a team option of the same for 2027. It’s trending toward a buyout by the time we get there. Once viewed as a team-friendly extension, his struggles since the contract was signed has many fans hoping a young player like Luisangel Acuna can immediately replace him at second base. Brett Baty has since entered the chat.

If the Mets thought it was tough to trade Marte, they probably didn't have much more luck with McNeil. McNeil has different favorable qualities, most notably being able to play multiple positions. At the price he comes in at with no .300 batting average guaranteed, others would easily pass on most offers.

There’s a good chance there will come a time when McNeil is struggling and young second base options are thriving either in a part-time role or in the minors. McNeil isn’t going to get DFA’d. He might just end up as a roadblock for the roster to have the hottest bats possible. His injury to begin the year will only make his return more controversial if Acuna or Baty are excelling.