Should the Mets move on from Jeff McNeil?

With McNeil entering the final year of a four-year, $50 million extension he signed with the Mets in January 2023, which includes a $15.75 million club option for 2027, now may be a realistic time to find a trade partner.

Potential replacements for McNeil on the roster

If there is one thing for sure, New York has an abundance of infielders with great versatility on their current roster, so moving on from McNeil shouldn't result in Mets fans raising the red flag.

After seeing Mark Vientos have a breakout season in 2024, third baseman Brett Baty responded with a breakout season of his own this year, slugging a career-high 18 home runs and driving in 50 runs in 130 games. Baty also proved his versatility, starting 46 games at second base this past season (a position he's never played). While Baty looks to be the starting third baseman for the Mets going forward, it's not a forgone conclusion that he won't have more reps at second base next season.

Perhaps the more realistic options at second base for the Mets could be either Ronny Mauricio or top prospect Jett Williams. Mauricio was finally able to see playing time in the major leagues this season after rehabbing from a torn ACL he suffered while playing in the Dominican Winter League during the 2023 offseason.

In 61 games, the 24-year-old batted .226/.293/.369 with six home runs and 10 RBI. Mauricio, however, would become a forgotten man for the Mets during the last month of the regular season, as he had just 13 at-bats during the month of September. Mauricio also showed that he still has a problem chasing pitches outside of the strike zone, which could lead the Mets to wait and see if he addresses that issue during spring training.

Williams is another intriguing option for the Mets. The 21-year-old, ranked as the Mets' No. 3 prospect on MLB.com, was impressive in the minor leagues this season.

In 130 games last season playing for both Double-A Binghamton and Triple-A Syracuse, Williams had an .828 OPS and slugged 17 home runs, along with 34 stolen bases. Williams is also a versatile player, having appeared in 27 games in center field this year, a position that is also a question mark for the Mets heading into next season. As such, he could certainly be a part of the Mets' plans in many different capacities next season.

Luisangel Acuña could also be an option at second base. However, after the Mets primarily used him as a pinch runner and on defense in the late innings this year, alongside his inability to produce at the plate, the 23-year-old does not appear to be a starter yet in the big leagues.

The Mets certainly have their options in the infield heading into the 2026 season, and only time will tell what they plan on doing at second base, as well as other spots on their roster. Regardless, if the team decides to trade McNeil, the infield should still be in good hands with these young players.