NY Mets can get roster help from a trade with an NL East rival

Since Jeff McNeil was sidelined for three to four weeks with a strain right oblique, fans have been wondering what the infield situation will look like. With McNeil being penciled in as the starting second baseman, the New York Mets have to alter their plans before the season's first pitch is even thrown.

Most of the focus has been on internal options like Brett Baty and Luisnangel Acuna. Both players were top prospects in the Mets systems and had something to prove. Baty is trying to prove he's still capable of being an everyday MLB player, while Acuna needs to show he can produce over an entire MLB season. However, if they want to find the answer outside the organization, they can potentially find it in the Phillies organization.

How Buddy Kennedy can help the 2025 Mets roster

Going into spring training, the Phillies had a position battle for the last spot on the bench. While several players were in contention for the final spot, the battle was mainly between Kody Clemens and Buddy Kennedy. While many speculated all spring long, the Phillies announced the answer this morning when they named Clemens to the opening-day roster.

This leaves Kennedy's future with the Phillies in doubt. It's been announced that the Phillies are already exploring a trade for the 26-year-old utility players. If they can't find a trade partner by Thursday, the plan is to DFA him.

Kennedy can provide a lot of value for the Mets. The biggest thing he gives them is versatility. In 2024, he played every position on the infield and left field between the majors and Triple-A. Not only can he play these positions, but he can play them at a high level. He committed 13 errors last season. However, eleven of them came at third base in the Triple-A. He didn't make a single error in the majors in 2024. This will give the Mets a proven super utility player, which is the one thing they are missing on this roster.

Kennedy also provides value as a bat off the bench. Although, in spring training, he batted .162, which is not anywhere near where an MLB player should be. But he has an on-base percentage of .347 and a slugging percentage of .432. He also had three home runs and seven RBIs. He also had a strong season in Triple-A in 2024, slashing .273/.376/.458 with 13 home runs and 49 RBIs. He can be a good pinch-hit option late in the game for the Mets.

If the Mets want an external option to fill their bench spot they have to go after Kennedy.