It’s been a winter of seismic shifts in Queens, with the Mets boldly reshaping the heart of their lineup. The most recent jolt came Monday, when longtime infielder Jeff McNeil was traded to the Oakland Athletics, a move that further dismantles what just a year ago looked like a franchise core. But the Mets might not be finished yet.
McNeil Out, Marte Rumors Heat Up
Shortly after McNeil was shipped out, a report from MLB insider Francys Romero indicated that the Mets are now exploring a potential trade for Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte. Discussions are said to be in the exploratory phase, but the implications are significant. Marte isn’t just a solid contributor; he’s a three-time All-Star, a two-time Silver Slugger, and was the 2023 NLCS MVP in Arizona’s electric postseason run to the World Series. Adding a player of that caliber would signal a quick-turn rebuild, or at least an aggressive retooling, rather than a prolonged step back.
Mets Core Dismantled in a Single Offseason
McNeil’s departure follows the offseason exits of two other longtime Mets: Brandon Nimmo, traded to the Texas Rangers, and power-hitting first baseman Pete Alonso, who signed with the Baltimore Orioles. In the bullpen, the Mets lost star closer Edwin Díaz to the Dodgers. Just like that, four key players, all staples of the Mets’ recent identity, are gone.
Arizona’s Shifting Stance Makes Marte a Target
What makes the Marte rumor even more intriguing is Arizona’s shifting stance. After signing Marte to a six-year, $116.5 million extension in April and hearing him publicly declare his desire to stay “in Arizona forever,” the Diamondbacks now appear willing to field offers. Whether it’s cap flexibility, a shift in team direction, or an opportunity to extract high value from a surging asset, Arizona is listening.
And so are the Mets.
As of now, a Marte deal isn’t imminent, but it may be inevitable. The Mets have holes to fill, urgency from their front office, and a fanbase watching closely. The departure of McNeil opened up more than just a position on the depth chart; it opened the door to a new era, one that might include a marquee addition at second base, and a dramatic shift in strategy for a team that just keeps changing.
