Ex-GM's Yankees-Mets Trade Idea Would Send All-Star Batting Champion To Bronx
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
The New York Yankees currently have DJ LeMahieu and Jorbit Vivas at second base. With Jazz Chisholm Jr. back in the hot corner, the Yankees may want an upgrade next to Anthony Volpe.
LeMahieu is not the same player he once was, and his health is hardly reliable. The Yankees look like World Series contenders again, but may need to find an upgrade up the middle of their infield to reach the World Series again. Former New York Mets general manager Zack Scott suggested Jeff McNeil could be a target for the Yankees.
"The Mets have some surplus," Scott said on "Baseball Night in New York." "Maybe Jeff McNeil would be a great fit for the Yankees."
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 28: Jeff McNeil #1 of the New York Mets reacts after hitting a three-run home run in the sixth inning against the Houston Astros at Citi Field on June...
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 28: Jeff McNeil #1 of the New York Mets reacts after hitting a three-run home run in the sixth inning against the Houston Astros at Citi Field on June 28, 2024 in the Queens borough of New York City. MoreThe Mets suddenly have Luisangel Acuña, Brett Baty and Ronny Mauricio as options to play if they trade McNeil. McNeil has split time between the outfield and second base.
McNeil signed a four-year, $50 million deal before the 2023 season. He was coming off a season in which he won the National League batting title with a .326 average. He has not been able to maintain that type of production, but he would be an upgrade over the Yankees' current options.
He is slashing .247/.349/.461 with three home runs after missing a month of the season. If the Mets are comfortable with Acuña as an everyday player, in either the outfield or at second base, they could move on from McNeil.
The Mets may have reservations about trading McNeil to the Yankees, but it may help them get an expensive player off the books and make way for some young players to get more playing time. McNeil is a two-time All-Star and would help the Yankees try to reach the World Series again.
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