Mets predicted to sign $189M 2-time All-Star, 2-time AL hits leader as Jeff McNeil replacement

Hunter Cookston

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Mets predicted to sign $189M 2-time All-Star, 2-time AL hits leader as Jeff McNeil replacement image

The New York Mets ended the season in one of the worst ways possible—an implosion that might go down in history as one of the biggest collapses in baseball. After holding complete control as the best team in MLB, they failed to make the playoffs. MLB insider Jeff Passan didn’t hold back in his assessment of the Mets.

“The New York Mets, losers of six straight, are down 6-0 and facing Jacob deGrom. Since starting 45-24 and owning the best record in MLB, the Mets are 31-47, better than only the Rockies, Twins and Nationals. This isn't a collapse. It's a disintegration,” Passan posted.

That sense of disappointment has carried over into free agency. The Mets have made some moves, but largely they’ve either traded away their top players or allowed them to walk. Recently, the Mets traded Jeff McNeil.

“The Athletics have acquired utilityman Jeff McNeil from the Mets in a trade that continues New York's offseason roster overhaul and adds a veteran presence to the Athletics' deep lineup. The Mets, who will receive minor-league right-hander Yordan Rodríguez in the trade, are also sending $5.75 million to the Athletics to help cover McNeil's $15.75 million salary for the 2026 season. New York also agreed to pay McNeil's $2 million buyout if the A's don't exercise his $15.75 million club option for 2027,” ESPN’s Jorge Castillo wrote.

Since the Mets traded McNeil, Sportsnaut’s Austin Konenski believes they should pursue Bo Bichette.

“The New York Mets are in desperate need of big-time additions this offseason. After losing Alonso and Edwin Diaz, New York traded Jeff McNeil to the Athletics, leaving a hole at second base. Bichette could become the Mets’ new second baseman if he wants to land in a big market. The Mets need Bichette, and it could be the perfect partnership,” Konenski wrote.

Landing Bichette would go a long way toward repairing the damage done to the roster this offseason. He brings a powerful bat and could protect Juan Soto in the lineup, who currently has little protection.

While Bichette isn’t the strongest defensively, his bat more than makes up for it. The Mets will face significant competition for his services, but the opportunity to add him is right there.

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