The New York Mets are operating under a microscope this offseason. After a disappointing end to the 2025 season saw the Mets miss the MLB playoffs, the front office has a big chip on its shoulder this offseason.
We’ve already seen the Mets be active this offseason in the trade market, after they traded for Marcus Semien and offloaded Brandon Nimmo. That essentially locks up the second base position for the 2026 season in New York. This begs the question: Will the Mets move on from Jeff McNeil or transition him into a full-time outfielder?
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What Will the Mets Do With Jeff McNeil?
After the Mets traded for Marcus Semien, that immediately drew attention to two-time All-Star Jeff McNeil and what his future will look like in New York. As MLB’s hot stove season progresses and the winter meetings commence, McNeil will likely continue to garner trade rumors.
In a recent article by MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, indicating all 30 MLB teams’ top trade candidates, Jeff McNeil is the name that pops up for the Mets:
“The acquisition of Semien secured the Metsâ second base position, and theyâre believed to be pursuing one of the top outfielders on the market, which would relegate McNeil to a super-utility role, one that could be filled by the much more inexpensive Luisangel Acuña. McNeil is in the final year of his four-year, $50 million extension, though his contract also has a $15.75 million club option for 2027 with a $2 million buyout.”
GettyNew York Mets second baseman Jeff McNeil
McNeil is entering his ninth MLB season (all eight with the Mets), and is a two-time All-Star and a 2022 batting champion.
He’s never been known as a strong power bat, but he does provide any team with value because of his glove and low-strikeout rate. McNeil struck out just 55 times in 399 at-bats in 2025. He also posted a 111 OPS+ over 122 games.
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Who Could Potential Suitors Be in a Jeff McNeil Trade?
A potential suitor for Jeff McNeil would have to be an MLB team that lacks an everyday infielder, as that is McNeil’s primary position. Although he did play some center field in 2025, that was because the Mets had no better options to stick out there.
A few teams that come to mind that could want Jeff McNeil are the Kansas City Royals, Pittsburgh Pirates, San Diego Padres (if they lose Luis Arraez), and the Los Angeles Angels.
The Mets would almost certainly ask for pitching depth help in a potential return for McNeil.
According to BaseballReference.com, McNeil is predicted to hit .248 with 11 home runs and just 66 strikeouts in 2026.
As the offseason progresses, McNeil is an interesting name to follow as a top trade candidate across MLB.
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