3 Mets players who survived the trade deadline but will get dealt this offseason

3) Jeff McNeil

There were quiet rumblings of Mets rumors on MLB trade deadline day about the possibility of trading Jeff McNeil. The tremors weren’t big enough to make a squirrel grab an extra nut for fear of an oncoming earthquake. It was never likely to happen, but his struggles this season alongside all of the other internal options they’ll have barreling up the pipeline should have him on the trade block.

A hot turnaround in the second half has both helped McNeil regain some trade value while giving the Mets a slightly better reason to keep him. But only slightly.

McNeil does bring value to the Mets because of his ability to play multiple positions. A move to the bench would probably destroy his Happy Jeff character forever. We’re not in a glorious age for second basemen. Longtime speculated to have a need and desire for McNeil, the Seattle Mariners, would be an obvious match. Don’t overlook other teams viewing McNeil as an outfield solution either.

It didn’t make sense for the Mets to get so bold as to trade McNeil at this summer’s deadline. In the offseason, it just might.

This team is going to have plenty of other versatility available and at a cheaper cost. Luisangel Acuna and Ronny Mauricio should be options in the infield and outfield. Either one could steal the second base job outright.

If the Mets are serious about investing in their prospects, they’ll pull the trigger and start letting more play next year. Subtracting McNeil from the equation would open up the door for plenty of the young kids.