MLB Rumors: 3 New York Mets On The Trade Block

 

The New York Mets made a big splash in the free agent market before the lockdown, substantially upgrading their roster. But that influx of talent has left some redundancies in the lineup. 

The addition of Eduardo Escobar puts a strong 2B/3B into a busy mix, and the signings of Starling Marte and Mark Canha to start in the outfield alongside Brandon Nimmo could have other domino effects on the roster. 

Let's have a look at three Mets that could be on their way out of town as a result:

1. Jeff McNeil

Before the lockout, it was revealed that "multiple teams" have reached out to the Mets to enquire about McNeil. The 29-year-old was a solid contributor with the bat in his first three years in New York, but he slipped considerably in 2021. 

His primary position is 2B, though he can also play 3B. Yes, the two positions that free agent-signee Escobar fills. Add to that, 2B Robinson Cano is back from his one-year PED suspension, and with the new OFs signed taking up any open LF at-bats, and you can see that McNeil's path to playing time is a bit tenuous.

Add to that his highly-publicized dust-up with Francisco Lindor, and the writing might very well be on the wall for McNeil.

2. JD Davis

Davis has spent most of his time at third base in his three years with the Mets, and while his bat has usually lived up to its billing, his defense at the hot corner has been lacking. Escobar is now likely to spend quite a bit of time at third. 

Davis, himself, seems resigned to the fact that his days in New York are numbered, as he stated before the lockout, "my gut feeling, I could be out of here, that's where it's kind of leaning towards.” 

3. Dominic Smith

If the National League were to adopt a full-time designated hitter for 2022, the troubles of Davis and McNeil could be alleviated somewhat, allowing them at-bats there. That's where Dominic Smith comes in. Although his natural position is first base, Pete Alonso has that taken care of, and while Smith spent a lot of time in the OF in 2021, that now, too, is spoken for. 

Enter the DH. Smith could slide into the DH slot, if Davis and/or McNeil are not around. But if those two are still in New York, Smith now becomes expendable.

Mike Puma of the New York Post reported last month that there's plenty of "expectation within the industry that the Mets will trade Dominic Smith or Jeff McNeil, if not both" when business resumes.

It seems that the Mets could very well pick up where they left off after the lockout, as one of the busiest teams in baseball.

Photo Credit: Scott Taetsch-USA TODAY Sports