New York Mets Reportedly Exploring Jeff McNeil Trade to Yankees in Potentially Historic Deal
The New York Mets may be on the verge of making one of the most surprising moves of the 2025 MLB season: shipping two-time All-Star Jeff McNeil to the crosstown rival New York Yankees. While no official deal has been confirmed, reports and insider speculation suggest the Mets are seriously considering the trade in a bold effort to reshape their roster and address glaring weaknesses on the pitching front.
McNeil, 32, has been a mainstay for the Mets since his debut in 2018, known for his high-contact approach, defensive versatility, and steady clubhouse presence. He won the National League batting title in 2022 and has been one of the few consistent offensive forces on the Mets’ roster in recent seasons. However, his performance dipped slightly in 2024, and with the Mets under new management and looking to retool, McNeil’s $37 million contract may now be viewed more as a movable asset than a foundational piece.
The Yankees, meanwhile, are looking to fill the void left by second baseman Gleyber Torres, who departed in free agency. McNeil offers a natural fit for the Yankees infield, especially with his left-handed bat and ability to play multiple positions. Yankee Stadium’s hitter-friendly dimensions also play to McNeil’s strengths, with projections suggesting he could significantly increase his power numbers in the Bronx. His career .345 batting average at Yankee Stadium further supports the narrative that he could thrive in pinstripes.
From the Mets’ perspective, the proposed deal—likely involving right-hander Marcus Stroman—would provide immediate help for their rotation. Stroman, who previously played for the Mets, is coming off a subpar 2024 season with the Yankees but has a proven track record when healthy. With Luis Severino gone to Oakland and uncertainty around the rest of the rotation, bringing in a starter with Stroman’s experience would be a logical move.
What makes this potential deal even more notable is the rarity of trades between the Mets and Yankees. Despite sharing the nation’s biggest media market, the two teams have historically been reluctant trade partners, with their last significant deal taking place more than two decades ago. A McNeil-for-Stroman swap—or any substantial transaction between the two—would signal a new era of pragmatism over rivalry in New York baseball.
Financially, the Mets could use the move to clear payroll in order to pursue elite free agents such as Juan Soto or Corbin Burnes. It would also open up roster flexibility for younger talent or other acquisitions. For the Yankees, it’s a win-now move that could bolster their infield depth and lineup balance as they aim to return to World Series contention.
Whether or not the trade materializes, the buzz around this potential crosstown swap has already ignited fan debate. If completed, it would represent a dramatic shift in New York’s baseball dynamics—and possibly set the tone for more aggressive, outside-the-box thinking from both franchises.
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