The New York Mets have made it clear that they are taking a calculated approach to roster construction this offseason, and the latest mock trade involving Marcus Stroman isn’t even worth considering. A hypothetical deal proposed by FanSided suggests the Yankees could offload Stroman and outfield prospect Everson Pereira in exchange for Mets utility player Jeff McNeil. While this idea might sound intriguing on paper, it falls apart upon closer inspection.
Why the Mets Don’t Need Stroman
Marcus Stroman, who is set to earn $18.5 million in 2025, is coming off a season that showed troubling signs of decline. Over 154.2 innings last year, Stroman posted a 4.31 ERA with a career-low 6.58 strikeouts per nine innings. His once-reliable ground ball rate fell to 49.2%, a drop of nearly eight percent from his career average, and his walk rate ballooned to 3.49 per nine innings—the highest mark of his career.
Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Adding to the hesitation is Stroman’s 2026 player option, which is triggered if he pitches more than 140 innings in 2025. For a pitcher trending downward, that option becomes a potential financial liability. The Mets are unlikely to gamble on Stroman when they’re trying to build a more reliable starting rotation.
Jeff McNeil’s Versatility Is Too Valuable
Jeff McNeil, on the other hand, represents a unique value for the Mets. While he’s coming off a down season in which he hit .238/.308/.384 with 12 home runs and 44 RBIs, McNeil’s track record and defensive versatility make him a key piece. The 2022 National League batting champion is capable of playing second base, left field, and right field, giving the Mets flexibility to fill multiple roles as needed.
McNeil is owed $12.5 million annually through 2026, with a team-friendly $13.75 million club option for 2027. Trading him for Stroman, who offers less upside and more risk, would be a significant downgrade.
Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Everson Pereira Doesn’t Tip the Scales
FanSided’s proposal also includes Yankees outfield prospect Everson Pereira as a sweetener for the deal. While Pereira has potential, he’s coming off a serious injury and has major strikeout issues.
The Mets are unlikely to part with a proven player like McNeil for a prospect who still has plenty to prove at the major league level.
Mets Are Focused on Smarter Moves
Trading for Marcus Stroman would be a step backward for a Mets team that is trying to build a more efficient and competitive roster. McNeil’s versatility and team-friendly contract, combined with Stroman’s declining performance and financial baggage, make this hypothetical trade a non-starter. The Mets are better off exploring other opportunities to strengthen their roster without sacrificing a player who brings so much to the table.
News
Yankees Manager Aaron Boone Teases Big Season From Paul Goldschmidt
Aaron Boone is not concerned with what Paul Goldschmidt did last season. Overall, 2024 was discouraging for the seven-time All-Star, who hit a career-worst .245/.302/.414 with 22 home runs and a career-low .716 OPS in 2024. Goldschmidt’s numbers have steadily declined…
Yankees have checked in on rehabbing free agent reliever
MLB: Kansas City Royals at New York Mets Brad Penner-Imagn ImagesBrad Penner-Imagn Images According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the New York Yankees and Chicago Cubs are showing interest in LHP Brooks Raley, a reliever who is currently rehabbing from Tommy John Surgery. He…
MLB Network analyst predicts Yankees will win 2025 World Series
The New York Yankees had a solid season in 2024 that allowed them to compete for yet another World Series title. However, after getting through the American League playoffs by beating the Kansas City Royals and the Cleveland Guardians, the Yankees fell apart in…
‘I’m not here to imitate’: Dave Sims embraces challenge of following John Sterling
Dave Sims, the Yankees‘ new radio announcer, isn’t fazed by the daunting task of stepping into the shoes of John Sterling, a long-time staple of New York baseball. In an interview with Yankees TV announcer Michael Kay on the YES Network’s…
Yankees, Leiter Jr. break off talks with $450K separating sides
In the multibillion-dollar landscape of Major League Baseball, where megadeals routinely make headlines, an unexpected standoff has emerged between the New York Yankees and reliever Mark Leiter Jr. over a relatively modest sum of $450,000. This impasse has brought both parties to…
Will Yankees take advantage of Cubs’ $2.5M Kyle Tucker mistake?
As baseball’s hot stove season intensifies, the New York Yankees have positioned themselves to potentially capitalize on an unexpected opportunity. The focus of their attention: Kyle Tucker, the dynamic two-time All-Star whose situation with the Chicago Cubs has become increasingly complex….
End of content
No more pages to load
