
via Imago
Credit: IMAGO

via Imago
Credit: IMAGO
The NYM missed the playoffs this season even after having a payroll of $314M, and the postseason absence has sparked urgent conversations about roster upgrades. David Stearns isn’t wasting time. The front office has reportedly set its sights on Arizona Diamondbacks star Ketel Marte, who signed an $116.5M extension through 2031 just this spring. But acquiring the three-time All-Star comes with a price that extends beyond dollars—it might cost the Mets one of their own.
Watch What’s Trending Now!
Jeff McNeil, the versatile infielder who’s become a cornerstone in Queens, appears to be that man. Just days ago, Jon Heyman wrote in his column that McNeil “could hit the trade block,” and now there’s another update fueling those whispers.
Dan Bartels of the New York Post wrote on X: “An interesting offseason name for the Mets that may gain steam is Diamondbacks’ Ketel Marte. Reports are that Arizona will listen to offers on his 6Y/$92.M remaining contract. Has frustrated teammates this year due to taking time off. Mets could trade Jeff McNeil to open a spot.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
An interesting offseason name for the Mets that may gain steam is Diamondbacks’ Ketel Marte. Reports are Arizona will listen to offers on his 6Y/$92.M remaining contract. Has frustrated teammates this year due to taking time off. Mets could trade Jeff McNeil to open a spot.
— Dan Bartels (@DanBartels2) October 15, 2025
McNeil has been with the Mets since his debut back in 2018— eight seasons now. Eight years at Citi Field have made him a fan favorite, and he’s given them reasons to believe. This season, back on June 10, 2025, he delivered a walk-off single in the 10th inning to beat the Nationals 5–4. So why would the front office move on from him now?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The summer of 2025 has been a mix for him. He started the year on the IL because of a low-grade right oblique strain and didn’t come back until late April. So, when he came back, he hit .243/.335/.411 with an OPS of .746 over the course of the season. He had 97 hits in 399 at-bats, 12 home runs, and 54 RBIs.
His Statcast figures reveal a decline in key batted-ball metrics. His average exit velocity is about 86.3 mph, with a hard-hit rate around 31.5% and a barrel rate of 4.3%. This suggests he’s making contact less frequently than in his peak years. And that might be one of the major reasons he is on that trade rumor mill.
And Ketel Marte brings a different dimension to the conversation. The 31-year-old switch-hitter has an average of .283 with an OPS of .893, 28 homers, and 72 RBIs. His versatility is notable—he can play second base, center field, and the outfield corners. This flexibility gives Stearns options for daily lineups, a benefit McNeil provided, though without Marte’s power.
But There’s a Catch
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Marte’s 2025 season wasn’t without complications. His frequent absences frustrated teammates, according to multiple reports. The time-off issue became a talking point in Arizona’s clubhouse, raising questions about his availability over the remaining six years on his contract.
This wasn’t sudden either. Back in August, Bob Nightengale of USA Today addressed the brewing situation: “While the Diamondbacks plan to listen to trade offers for Marte this winter, they privately believe it’s unlikely any team would offer a fair package in return for a three-time All-Star who’s under contract for six more years for $92.5 million after this season.”
Arizona’s front office has been transparent about their willingness to move him if the right offer comes along, but they won’t be giving him away easily. And that’s where things get complicated for New York. If the D-backs don’t see enough value in McNeil alone to justify parting with Marte, the Mets’ utility man could find himself headed elsewhere.
If not the D-Backs, then what could be the next spot for Jeff McNeil?
Mets trading McNeil makes one thing clear: they are looking to improve defense. Also, younger guys like Brett Baty and Luisangel Acuna are pushing McNeil out of his regular role with the Mets.
As per reports, there are two more teams that would be a good fit for him. Those two clubhouses can be the Astros and Padres. Houston may use McNeil’s ability to play third base or left field when they need him to, and San Diego could put him at third base or DH behind Manny Machado.
Houston wants more depth. Even though Jose Altuve is firmly in second, McNeil can play third, outfield, or DH, which offers them more options on the roster. ClutchPoints points out that he has a .984 fielding %, but his defensive runs saved were negative, which is an indicator of risk.
San Diego currently plays Machado at third base, but he is getting older and may play more as a designated hitter. McNeil could switch between third base and DH, which would keep his body from getting too worn out and keep the offense consistent.
If the Mets want to trade McNeil to another team, they could want to send him to a contender that values his flexibility without giving up too much in exchange. With that in mind, the Padres and Astros seem like good places to go.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT