Report: Mets plan to shop McNeil after lockout ends

Jeff McNeil's difficult 2021 season may spell an end to his tenure in Flushing.

The New York Mets are planning to make the former All-Star utility player available in trade talks once the lockout ends, sources told Pat Ragazzo of Sports Illustrated. Their goal is to trade him for pitching help, according to Ragazzo.

McNeil was a revelation for the Mets during his first few seasons in the majors, finishing fourth in the NL batting race in his 2019 All-Star campaign. But the 29-year-old's production dipped this past year when he hit a career-worst .251/.319/.360 with seven homers and 35 RBIs. A hamstring issue limited him to just 120 games.

Culture issues are also likely behind this decision after McNeil was part of the Mets' biggest clubhouse controversy in 2021. He was involved in an altercation with star shortstop Francisco Lindor during a game in May after a defensive misplay, and while the teammates famously downplayed it at the time, later reports indicated that Lindor grabbed McNeil by the neck during the argument.

The Mets have tried to address their clubhouse issues this winter by hiring experienced manager Buck Showalter and signing several veteran free agents, including Max Scherzer and Starling Marte.

From an on-field standpoint, McNeil should have plenty of suitors. He's entering his first year of arbitration in 2022 and is projected to earn $2.8 million, according to MLB Trade Rumors. When healthy, he provides a solid left-handed bat and plus defense at four different positions, and he's only posted an OPS below .830 once.

While his versatility is a major asset for New York, the team has logjams at each of his regular positions. Robinson Cano is returning from his season-long suspension to man second base, while Marte and Mark Canha should be regulars in the outfield. Additionally, Eduardo Escobar will likely man third. Also in the mix for regular playing time are J.D. Davis and Dominic Smith.