Mets-Yankees trade pitch swaps Jeff McNeil for $37 million two-time All-Star

The New York Mets are in need of starting pitching. Luis Severino signed with the Athletics on Thursday, while Sean Manaea and Jose Quintana are both free agents.

They did already sign right-hander Frankie Montas to a two-year, $34 million contract on Sunday, but there is still work that needs to be done.

Evan Roberts of WFAN proposed a wild trade idea that would involve the Mets trading Jeff McNeil to the New York Yankees, but also adding a $37 million two-time All-Star who previously pitched for the Mets.

“Jeff McNeil can play second base, can potentially play third base, and can also play the outfield,” Evan said. “And you’re giving up Marcus Stroman. You’re giving up something of less significance, and money wise, you’re actually clearing out a few million dollars,” Roberts said on Wednesday.

This would be a wild trade, one that might ultimately benefit the Yankees more than the Mets. The Yankees would be letting go of Stroman, who posted a 4.31 ERA this season and barely eclipsed the 150-inning mark, while also adding a former batting champion.

Stroman won 10 games and struck out 113 batters, posting a 0.7 Wins Above Replacement in 2024.

McNeil also had a bad year, slashing just .238/.308/.384 with 12 home runs, 44 RBI and a .692 OPS. Still, the Yankees would be adding a left-handed bat and the Mets would be losing a key contributor.

Perhaps this could be done for the Mets to clear some financial room to sign a big free agent such as Juan Soto, Corbin Burnes or Max Fried, re-sign Pete Alonso, or maybe add somebody like Teoscar Hernandez, Jack Flaherty or Christian Walker.

But it will be interesting to see if the Mets and Yankees talk about a potential deal. Perhaps returning to a familiar environment could help Stroman bounce back in 2025.