Rare Mets-Yankees trade idea would send $37 million two-time All-Star to Queens

On By Littum

The New York Mets and New York Yankees may play in the same city, but they aren’t always bitter rivals. In 2025, however, the enmity is at an all-time high.

This offseason, the Mets stole superstar outfielder Juan Soto straight off the Yankees’ roster, coming off the Bronx Bombers’ first World Series appearance in 15 years. Expect record decibel levels when the boos come out for Soto in his return to Yankee Stadium.

But while fans of both teams couldn’t be more at odds with each other, business is still business in a Major League Baseball front office. If a trade needs to be made that makes sense for both sides, the two general managers will be happy to pull the trigger.

Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa of Bleeding Yankee Blue suggested such a trade in a recent column. Bellezza-Ochoa floated the idea of ​​the Yankees sending two-time All-Star starting pitcher Marcus Stroman to the Mets for second baseman/outfielder Jeff McNeil.

“It’s no secret the Yankees want to get rid of Marcus Stroman,” Bellezza-Ochoa wrote. “It’s easy to see that he’s the SIXTH best rotation option and the Yankees just don’t need him… and especially not at the $18 million price tag.”

“The Mets, on the other hand, are really looking to strengthen their starting rotation. Right now, that’s a big weak spot on their roster… McNeil can play second, third or left field, and those are all areas the Yankees could use some extra help.”

McNeil has been a productive member of the Mets over the last seven years, posting 20.8 bWAR and winning a batting title in 2022. But he hasn’t been the same hitter in the two years since, and with the young Ronny Mauricio and Luisangel Acuña out of playing time, McNeil may be useless at this point.

Stroman, meanwhile, is coming off a down year, but he’s guaranteed to eat innings. He threw 154 2/3 innings for the Yankees last season. His $37 million contract includes a vest option for 2026 if he throws 140 or more innings this year, but that might not be a bad thing for the Mets.

Would the two sides see eye to eye on this specific proposal? It remains to be seen, but the logic behind it is not difficult to understand.

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