Fan’s proposed NY Mets-Pirates trade helps resolve 3 roster questions

Jeff McNeil has an 80% chance of getting traded according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Even before the trade for Marcus Semien and revelation about his relationship with teammate Francisco Lindor, the writing was on the wall. McNeil has outstayed his welcome.

McNeil is an intriguing buy low bat on the market who can offer multiple teams a variety of resolutions. A satisfying second baseman who can also take over at the corner outfield and reliably, there is an existing market for him. Of note, the Pittsburgh Pirates are a team speculated as a destination.

Mets fan Daniel Wexler put together a fun Mets-Pirates swap involving McNeil that would solve three roster questions facing the Mets. While most fans will agree McNeil for anything with a pulse is a good offer, this one manages to answer multiple questions.

Here’s what this trade resolves for the Mets

Problem resolved: No more awkward standoffs between Jeff McNeil and Francisco Lindor

Finding some to take McNeil is paramount and this accomplishes the goal. For a team like the Pirates, eating a portion of the salary seems necessary. What the Mets can’t do is assume a better offer will come around.

Problem resolved: A right-handed reliever with upside costing little money they can move on from quickly if things go bad

Justin Lawrence seems to fit into exactly the same category as David Stearns loves to have on the Mets roster. He had a breakout year in 2023 when he pitched to a 3.72 ERA as a member of the Colorado Rockies. Claimed off waivers by the Pirates in early 2025, he managed to appear in only 17.2 innings but put up fantastic numbers. Only a single run and 9 hits allowed, Lawrence dazzled with an 11.7 K/9 rate. It’s a small sample, yes. About to enter his first year of arbitration eligibility, he’ll be a minor payroll hit and expendable if things go poorly. If things go well, he’s an absolute steal.

Problem resolved: We might never have to see Richard Lovelady

As interesting to Stearns should be Evan Sisk. The 28-year-old lefty went from the Kansas City Royals to the Pirates last year via trade and logged a total of 17.2 innings with a 3.57 ERA. His 12.7 K/9 rate and 48.8% ground ball rate fit in perfectly with the typical style of relievers we’ve seen come through with the Mets under Stearns. Two remaining minor league options left, he isn’t someone who’d crack the major league roster but would provide them with lefty reliever depth. The team searched high and low (and lower) for those types of pitchers last year. Sisk is another dart to throw at the board and remain patient with for two years.