The New York Mets are poised for an intriguing offseason, thanks largely to owner Steve Cohen’s financial resources and new president of baseball operations David Stearns. This combination is expected to keep fans guessing about the team’s next moves, especially regarding potential trades, including the future of Jeff McNeil, who may be on the trading block.
According to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi, the Mets have shown considerable interest in acquiring Brendan Donovan, a versatile utility player from the St. Louis Cardinals. Donovan, who is in high demand this offseason, presents a challenge for the Mets; they will need to offer a tempting package to the Cardinals for a trade to materialize.
Donovan could be a significant upgrade over McNeil, who has seen a decline in offensive production after his remarkable 2022 season, where he won a batting title. In contrast, Donovan has demonstrated consistent performance over four seasons, hitting between .278 and .287 with the capability to record around a dozen home runs and over 30 doubles in a full campaign. His comfort at second base, along with his ability to play in left field, makes him an attractive option for teams, including the Astros, who are also looking to bolster their roster.
One way the Mets could enhance their chances of landing Donovan would be by taking on an undesirable contract from the Cardinals, a strategy that could compel St. Louis to engage in trade discussions. Players like Sonny Gray, Nolan Arenado, and Willson Contreras could be potential trade partners, though they each come with their own set of challenges—either through declines in performance or previous experiences with the pressure of playing in New York.
However, acquiring Donovan may prove difficult as it will likely involve the Mets parting with controllable players, alongside finding a suitable taker for McNeil. With several internal options for second base available, adding both Donovan and McNeil could create redundancy, complicating the Mets’ pursuit of Donovan.
While the Mets have enjoyed success in free agency, their trade endeavors have often been more cautious. As the offseason unfolds, fans will be watching closely to see how the Mets navigate their choices in a crowded landscape of second basemen and potential trade scenarios, with optimism riding on their ability to enhance their roster effectively.