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By Aaliyan Mohammed
Contributing Sports Writer
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The New York Mets' season ended disappointingly when the team failed to qualify for the postseason. Now the team faces serious roster decisions.
The Mets' high payroll was not enough to get the team into October. The Mets figure to have one of the highest payrolls in baseball once again, but could look to trim some of it. If they intend to sign Pete Alonso to a long-term deal, some other players may need to go.
The Mets could look to trade some players in their effort to shed some payroll. Mets insider Tim Britton suggested Jeff McNeil could be a trade candidate.
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"McNeil is owed $15.75 million this upcoming season, with a club option for $15.75 million again in 2027 (with a $2 million buyout)," wrote Britton for The Athletic. "Here, the structure of his contract hurts his trade value. Whereas McNeil only counts $12.5 million against the Mets for luxury-tax purposes, he’d count $15.75 million for any acquiring team. Coming off a solid bounce-back season, McNeil should have some value on the trade market, but most of it will be in getting out from under the contract."
McNeil has been with the Mets for eight seasons. He is a two-time All-Star and batting champion. He struggled last season, but this year he played better. He raised his OPS from .692 to .746 this season and played in 122 games.
He is a versatile defender with a solid bat. Many teams could show interest in him should the Mets make him available. Being essentially a salary dump, teams may not have to give up all that much to get him.
Losing McNeil would be a huge blow to the Mets fanbase. However, the move could open the door for some younger players to take on expanded roles and make a name for themselves.
More MLB: Pete Alonso Ditching Mets for Phillies Tabbed as ‘Pretty Realistic’
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