5 NY Mets players in Carlos Mendoza’s doghouse set to hit the trade market

2) Jeff McNeil

Jeff McNeil stepped up big time for the Mets this past year. His ability to play satisfactory center field saved them from having a bigger hole in their lineup. His late season misplay in Philadelphia had them thinking twice about putting him back out there again. He wouldn’t play another game at the position for the rest of the year.

Beyond the defensive collapse at a position he wasn’t familiar with, McNeil failed to come up with big hits late in the season. His temper flared with every strike called against him. He hit .187 in the final month, striking out at an unusually high rate for him with 14 Ks in 84 plate appearances.

Some athletes fall into a “love them or hate them” category. With McNeil, it’s becoming “annoyed by or accepting of.” There is no denying how valuable his versatility can continue to be for the Mets. However, with his bat no longer guaranteed to hit .300+, his role becomes more questionable.

Brett Baty played a strong second base this past season. The Mets probably won’t trade McNeil and Vientos. Because McNeil’s age, contract, and lack of power will go with him, it might be easier for someone to accept Vientos’ faults and try to fix them. You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.