LAS VEGAS — Though there are no indications the New York Mets are actively shopping Jeff McNeil, multiple teams have expressed interest in the club’s longtime versatile veteran as a trade acquisition, league sources said.
In other words, if the Mets decide to deal McNeil, a market seemingly exists. McNeil, 33, is set to make $15.75 million in 2026. The Mets hold a club option on him for the following season at the same figure. If McNeil is traded, he receives a one-time $500,000 assignment bonus.
It’s unknown what a potential return for McNeil could look like. Despite some early interest, his contract situation presents challenges. Also, McNeil underwent a minor procedure for thoracic outlet syndrome after last season, as the New York Post first reported. He is expected to be a full participant in spring training. McNeil’s OPS stood at .799 at the end of August before he slumped through most of September and finished with a .746 mark. The New York Post also reported McNeil as a trade candidate.
In the meantime, McNeil holds value for the Mets. A two-time All-Star and batting champion in 2022, McNeil hit 12 home runs with a .243/.335/.411 slash line last season while making appearances at second base (his main position), center field, left field, right field and first base. McNeil had never played center field on a part-time basis before 2025. It was an area of need for the Mets last season, but president of baseball operations David Stearns said Wednesday that McNeil was unlikely to see significant time there in 2026. McNeil, however, could be an alternative at first base, depending on how the Mets’ offseason goes and, perhaps, how Pete Alonso’s free agency plays out, The Athletic previously reported.
Still, the Mets are looking to upgrade their defense, and the right side of the infield stands out as an obvious area with room for improvement. Among the 27 players with at least 500 innings at second base, McNeil’s fielding run value ranked No. 10. He is generally fine at the position, but the Mets are already locked into some other spots where they are counting on their defense to get better internally. Thus, it would not be surprising to see the Mets explore ways to add better range at second base.