The New York Yankees lost Juan Soto to the New York Mets this winter. However, they traded for Cody Bellinger and Devin Williams to help lessen the blow. They could make one more trade to help round out their infield.
FanSided's Jacob Mountz urged the Yankees to trade for New York Mets All-Star Jeff McNeil to replace Gleyber Torres, who signed with the Detroit Tigers in free agency.
"To start, McNeil is a slap hitter who pulls the ball," wrote Mountz. "He isn't known as a home run hitter, but in the Bronx, this changes drastically. Baseball Savant estimates, when including park and environmental factors, McNeil would have hit 19 home runs in Yankee Stadium compared to the 12 he hit in 2024."
McNeil won a batting title in 2022. However, last season he had a down year, slashing just .238/.308/.384. Perhaps a change of scenery could do him some good. He signed a four-year, $50 million deal in 2023.
"McNeil turns 33 this coming season and is owed $15.75 million for each of the next two years," wrote Mountz. "Included in his contract is a club option for 2027 at the same price. For the Mets, trading McNeil would bring a satisfactory return and give them a little breathing room they might want to put to work in bringing Alonso back."
The Yankees could be in the market for a second baseman. They could make DJ LeMahieu the everyday second baseman, but he has struggled with injuries and has a .232 batting average in the last two seasons.
Adding McNeil would give them an infield group of Jazz Chisholm Jr., Anthony Volpe, McNeil and Paul Goldschmidt.
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