NY Mets Monday Morning GM: 3 offseason plans we already need to reconsider

2) The Mets won’t find it easy to trade Jeff McNeil

Jon Heyman reported there is trade interest in Jeff McNeil, but that seems outdated based on his injury update. Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, even when minor, kills trade value. It’s not as if McNeil was already the Helen of Troy on the trade block.

Swapping or even dumping McNeil felt like the most logical thing the Mets could do for a culture shift and change in the way the lineup looked overall. A far more difficult goal, he’s going to have to be in their plans for 2026–with hopes from fans they keep trying.

Where does this leave us with our personal Mets plans? McNeil has played his way out of having a permanent spot at second base. No one has come close to snatching it away except for Jose Iglesias in 2024 who won the job by default after McNeil went down with a season-ending injury.

The only person who could dethrone McNeil at second base is Brett Baty. However, that would mean third base becomes more inferior defensively with Mark Vientos being the top option. Ronny Mauricio is a threat at both spots, but the Mets seemed to prefer him at third base. His absence of offense against left-handed pitching has him lined up in a platoon role if not a demotion. Luisangel Acuna doesn’t even enter the second base conversation as anything more than a defensive replacement.

McNeil’s continued presence on the Mets may force them to overlook some other infield options for the bench. There just isn’t room. The outfield, on the other hand, could benefit from a right-handed veteran who can do something as little as hit lefties and play the corner spots.