NY Mets predictions: 1 MLB player, 1 prospect we’re most convinced is getting traded

Rising Apple’s offseason New York Mets predictions covered free agency and trades with several common themes from each of the six individuals who made predictions. We shared a couple of the same thoughts, convinced certain players were coming and a few others are done representing the NYM.

When asked who’d get traded this offseason, two players popped up more than anyone else.

The MLB player we’re convinced the Mets are trading: Jeff McNeil

It’s easy to understand why from a head and heart perspective that Jeff McNeil’s time with the Mets is over with. Dealing him isn’t impossible with one guaranteed season of control left. His decline as a hitter makes him expendable. He’d ideally be a bench player but even then it’s his defensive versatility above anything else that makes him a good fit for the Mets or any other team willing to employ him.

Four of the six of us predicted he’d get traded. One destination was the Kansas City Royals, one was the San Francisco Giants, and the third (which appeared twice) was the Houston Astros.

Speaking on my own behalf, the Royals were selected because of last year’s employment of two other versatile players. Jonathan India and Adam Frazier were members of the 2025 Royals roster. India played second base regularly but rated as one of the worst defenders in baseball. He had a -6 OAA at second base alone. Frazier is a free agent and on top of that, the Royals don’t have an exceptionally good outfield from an offensive standpoint.

The Giants fit is easy to understand with Tyler Fitzgerald hitting .217 and being the most regularly used player at the position last season. San Francisco could benefit from another left-handed bat in their lineup. Steve Parello picked them and I think it’s a good selection.

Josh Mayer and Noah Wright each predicted the Astros for McNeil. This swap would largely be determined by what the team hopes to do with Jose Altuve. Finished the season back at second base following an adventure in left field. Far more than the Giants, they could use the balance of a left-handed hitter.

The prospect we’re convinced the Mets trade: A.J. Ewing

A.J. Ewing was one of the fastest risers in the Mets system last year. Another version of Jett Williams without the high-profile draft position or the same amount of power, he’s an exciting and speedy player who, if other teams are interested in, the Mets should part with. There are only so many lighter hitting, quick utility player spots on a roster.

Three of the four of us who believe Ewing is getting traded believe it’ll be in a trade for Freddy Peralta. He’s the style of player the Milwaukee Brewers seem to adore. John Wolff dared to include him in a trade for Ketel Marte. His trade package for Peralta did happen to include another name that regularly popped up in our predictions, pitcher Will Watson. His three mentions had him trailing Ewing.