Yankees-Mets Blockbuster: Stroman to Bronx for Game-Changing Infield Solution

After securing Juan Soto with the largest contract in sports history, New York Mets owner Steve Cohen and president of baseball operations David Stearns have shifted to a more budget-conscious approach when it comes to talent acquisition. They’ve already brought in Frankie Montas and reliever Clay Holmes to help bolster the pitching staff, but an opening remains in the starting rotation. The Mets have reportedly scouted Nick Pivetta as a potential option, but a more established arm is available for trade.

Meanwhile, across the river in the Bronx, the Yankees are looking to offload Marcus Stroman’s contract after one tough season in pinstripes. While Stroman struggled at Yankee Stadium with a 5.31 ERA, he posted a solid 3.09 ERA on the road, leading to an overall disappointing 4.31 ERA for the year. Having pitched for the Mets with success in the past, a return to Queens might be just what he needs to regain his form.

Stroman is owed over $36.6 million through the next two seasons, with a vesting option for 2026—an amount that could be a challenge for Cohen. However, Hal Steinbrenner is reportedly open to paying part of Stroman’s salary to facilitate a trade.

On the Yankees’ end, they are actively searching for an infielder to replace Gleyber Torres, while the Mets are overflowing with infield talent. With players like Mark Vientos, Francisco Lindor, Jeff McNeil, Luisangel Acuna, Jett Williams, Ronny Mauricio, and Brett Baty in the mix, the Mets have a crowded infield. If Pete Alonso stays in Queens, the infield will only have two open spots.

However, one infielder who hasn’t thrived at Citi Field could be the perfect trade bait for the Mets. That infielder is Jeff McNeil, who has struggled in Queens but could thrive in the Bronx. In an injury-shortened 2024 season, McNeil posted a disappointing .238/.308/.384/.692 slash line with 12 home runs. His home/away splits were particularly stark, as he hit just .199 at Citi Field, but improved to .279 on the road with 10 home runs.

McNeil has never been a power hitter, though he hit 23 home runs in 2019. His strength lies in his pure hitting ability, with his best season coming in 2022 when he won the batting title with a .326 average. At Yankee Stadium, McNeil’s pull-hitting style could turn his 12 home runs from last season into 19. Even if he doesn’t return to his .300+ average, McNeil would complement the Yankees’ power-heavy lineup with his ability to make consistent contact and avoid strikeouts. His defense, though recently neutral, would still be an upgrade over Torres.

McNeil is owed $15.75 million each year for the next two seasons, with a club option for 2027 at the same price. Trading him would help offset Stroman’s salary, potentially making it a favorable deal for the Mets, especially since the Yankees would pick up part of Stroman’s contract.

In addition to Stroman, the Mets would receive the Yankees’ No. 10 prospect, Everson Pereira. With the Yankees’ outfield crowded with Jasson Dominguez, Cody Bellinger, and Aaron Judge, Pereira is somewhat blocked. He has shown promise in the minors but struggled in his brief major league stint. After undergoing Tommy John surgery, Pereira is expected to return for the 2025 season, offering the Mets depth in the outfield and additional value in the trade.

This Yankees-Mets trade would swap Marcus Stroman for an optimal infield  solution

This trade could be a win-win for both teams, giving the Mets a pitcher they’ve seen succeed before and helping the Yankees bolster their infield while offloading some payroll.

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