The New York Mets are making it clear: the status quo is no longer acceptable in Queens. In their latest move, the Mets have traded veteran utility man Jeff McNeil to the Oakland Athletics in exchange for teenage pitching prospect Yordan Rodriguez. The Mets are also reportedly covering part of McNeil’s remaining contract, signaling that this deal is less about salary relief and more about reshaping the roster from the ground up.
At first glance, sending off a former All-Star and batting champ like McNeil might raise some eyebrows. He’s been a staple in the Mets’ lineup for years-gritty, versatile, and often the spark plug when the offense needed a jolt.
But this trade isn’t just about McNeil. It’s about what the Mets are trying to build-and more importantly, what they’re willing to leave behind to get there.
This offseason has been anything but quiet for Steve Cohen and the Mets' front office. Big names like Pete Alonso, Edwin Díaz, and Brandon Nimmo have all been at the center of trade buzz or internal evaluation. Now, with McNeil officially out, it’s clear the Mets are tearing down parts of the foundation in hopes of building something stronger.
According to MLB insider Jon Heyman, moving McNeil could be a domino that leads to more aggressive moves. The Mets are reportedly hunting for both pitching depth and another power bat-two glaring needs after a 2025 season that fell well short of expectations.
And they’re not just window-shopping. The list of players linked to New York this winter reads like an All-Star ballot: Alex Bregman, Cody Bellinger, Bo Bichette, Kyle Tucker.
Now, Ketel Marte has entered the conversation, with reports suggesting the Mets are “at least exploring” a deal for the switch-hitting Diamondbacks star.
Marte would bring a dynamic presence to the lineup-he’s a contact hitter with pop, a solid glove, and the kind of versatility the Mets seem to value. But he’s far from the only name on their radar.
Luis Robert Jr. has also been floated as a potential target. The wrinkle there?
The White Sox may be less inclined to move Robert after recently adding Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami to their roster.
Still, with Cohen’s deep pockets and an aggressive front office, the Mets are in position to make bold plays. And they’ve shown they’re not afraid to shake things up.
After a disappointing 2025 campaign, the message is clear: this team isn’t going to roll into next season hoping for internal improvement alone. They’re retooling, reimagining, and-if the early moves are any indication-rebuilding with urgency.
McNeil’s departure may sting for fans who’ve watched him grind through the highs and lows in Queens. But this move, like others before it, is part of a broader strategy.
The Mets aren’t looking to tread water. They’re trying to make a splash.
And with plenty of offseason left, don’t expect them to stop here.
Whether it’s Marte, Robert, or another big name, the Mets are clearly in go-mode. The roster that takes the field on Opening Day 2026 is going to look very different-and that’s exactly the point.