Jeff McNeil Trade Buzz Heating Up: Could the Mets and Pirates Be a Match?
The writing’s been on the wall for a while now, but it’s getting clearer by the day: Jeff McNeil’s time with the Mets is likely coming to an end. According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, there's an 80% chance McNeil gets traded this offseason. And with the Mets swinging a deal for Marcus Semien and whispers about a strained relationship with Francisco Lindor still lingering, the front office appears ready to turn the page.
McNeil, a former All-Star and batting champion, is now shaping up as a classic buy-low candidate. He’s the kind of player who still holds value across the league - a versatile bat who can handle second base and both corner outfield spots. That kind of flexibility makes him an intriguing fit for a number of teams looking to add depth and experience without breaking the bank.
One team that’s been floated as a potential landing spot? The Pittsburgh Pirates.
A Fan-Driven Trade Proposal That Makes Some Sense
Mets fan Daniel Wexler recently proposed a trade that’s gaining traction online - McNeil heading to Pittsburgh in exchange for right-handed reliever Justin Lawrence and lefty Evan Sisk. On the surface, it might not feel like a blockbuster, but when you dig into the Mets’ current roster needs, it checks a few important boxes.
Let’s break it down.
Problem Solved: The McNeil-Lindor Tension
First and foremost, moving McNeil would end the ongoing awkwardness between him and Lindor. The two haven’t exactly been a model of clubhouse chemistry, and while talent usually wins out, sometimes a clean break is the best move for everyone involved.
The Mets don’t need to wait around hoping a better offer comes along. If there’s a team willing to take on part of McNeil’s salary - and Pittsburgh could be that team - the Mets would be wise to listen. This is about fit, not just return.
Problem Solved: Bullpen Upside with Minimal Risk
Enter Justin Lawrence. The 29-year-old righty had a breakout season in 2023 with the Rockies, posting a 3.72 ERA.
After being claimed off waivers by the Pirates in early 2025, he only logged 17.2 innings - but they were sharp. One earned run, nine hits allowed, and an 11.7 K/9 rate.
That’s elite swing-and-miss stuff, even if the sample size is small.
Lawrence fits the mold of the kind of arm Mets president David Stearns has consistently targeted - low-cost, high-upside relievers who don’t tie up payroll and can be cycled in and out as needed. He’s entering his first year of arbitration eligibility, so the risk is minimal.
If he sticks, it’s a win. If not, the Mets can move on quickly.
Problem Solved: Lefty Depth Without the Guesswork
Then there’s Evan Sisk. The 28-year-old lefty was acquired by the Pirates from the Royals in 2025 and put together a solid line: 3.57 ERA, 17.2 innings, 12.7 K/9, and a 48.8% ground ball rate. He’s not a lock for the Opening Day roster, but that’s not the point.
What he offers is something the Mets were constantly searching for last season - left-handed bullpen depth with options. Sisk still has two minor league options remaining, meaning he can be stashed in Triple-A and called upon when needed. That flexibility is gold for a team that cycled through lefty relievers like they were trying to hit on a lottery ticket.
Sisk may not be a household name, but he’s the kind of under-the-radar piece that can quietly stabilize a bullpen over the course of a long season.
The Bigger Picture
If this kind of trade goes down, it’s not going to dominate headlines - but it doesn’t have to. This is about roster construction, chemistry, and maximizing value from a player who no longer fits the long-term vision.
McNeil still has something to offer, and in the right environment, he could bounce back. But for the Mets, this is about clearing the deck, adding arms with upside, and reshaping the clubhouse dynamic heading into 2026.
Sometimes, the best trades aren’t the flashiest - they’re the ones that quietly solve multiple problems at once. And this one? It just might do exactly that.