Mets Add Two Players After Jeff McNeil News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Nov 14, 2025 4:49 PM ET

The New York Mets roster is expected to look different in 2026 after a disappointing season that ended with an 83–79 record and no playoff berth. While questions remain about whether first baseman Pete Alonso will return, another longtime player has emerged as a potential trade candidate: Jeff McNeil.

The 33-year-old veteran infielder quietly put together a solid season at the plate, hitting .243 with a .335 on-base percentage, .746 OPS, 12 home runs and 54 RBIs across 122 games.

McNeil has spent the past eight seasons with the Mets, becoming a fixture in the lineup thanks to his versatility and contact-first approach. He won a batting title in 2022, earned two All-Star selections and took home a Silver Slugger Award. Despite his age, McNeil remains a valuable piece who could draw interest from teams looking for infield depth and a reliable left-handed bat.

According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, “The Mets are fielding trade inquiries on Jeff McNeil, and with just one year left on his overpriced contract, combined with a decent 2025 performance in which he showed new versatility, there’s interest among other clubs.”

New York Mets second baseman Jeff McNeil.Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

With the Mets facing tough decisions on their core, McNeil’s name surfacing in trade talks signals a possible shift in strategy as the front office looks to reshape the roster by prioritizing defense.

The Mets added two infielders to the organization on Friday, possibly in preparation for a potential McNeil trade. “We have signed INF Jose Rojas and INF Jackson Cluff to minor league contracts with invitations to major league spring training,” the team announced in a post on X.

We have made the following roster moves. pic.twitter.com/NlRfnMZSd8
— New York Mets (@Mets) November 14, 2025

Rojas spent the 2025 season with the New York Yankees’ Triple-A affiliate and put up big numbers. Over 124 games, the 32-year-old hit .287 with a .379 OBP, .978 OPS, 32 home runs and 105 RBIs.

Originally drafted by the Los Angeles Angels in the 36th round back in 2016, Rojas worked his way through their system and appeared in 83 major league games for Los Angeles between 2021 and 2022. He struggled during that stretch, hitting just .188 with a .245 OBP, .584 OPS and six homers.

Jackson Cluff, 28, has spent his entire career in the Washington Nationals’ system. He played 103 games for Triple-A Rochester in 2025, posting a .771 OPS while rotating between second, third and shortstop.

With McNeil’s future uncertain, the Mets are clearly preparing for possible infield turnover. Adding experienced depth like Rojas and Cluff gives them flexibility heading into spring training, especially if trade talks progress. It is a subtle but telling move as the offseason unfolds.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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