Meet the Mets
In yet another move to break up the core, the Mets traded Jeff McNeil to the Athletics for 17-year-old pitching prospect Yordan Rodriguez. The Mets sent $5.75 million to pay part of McNeil’s $15.75 million contract
for 2026, and they will cover his $2 million buyout if his 2027 option isn’t exercised.
McNeil, who won the NL batting title in 2026, will now call
David Stearns addressed the trade, thanking McNeil for his service to the organization and expressing excitement about adding Rodriguez to the farm system.
The McNeil trade sets the stage for the rest of the team’s offseason, writes Anthony DiComo.
Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon examined how the Mets will move forward after moving on from McNeil.
McNeil was moved following some well-documented clubhouse drama while with the Mets.
The Mets have now opened up an outfield spot and could be looking to make a big move to fill it.
The team officially announced the Luke Weaver signing. In a statement, Stearns called Weaver one of the “most reliable leverage relievers” in baseball, adding, “Luke’s stuff, combined with his experience in high pressure situations in New York, sets him up well for success going forward.”
Francys Romero shared a rumor from an industry source that the Mets are exploring a possible trade for Diamondbacks’ star Ketel Marte.
The Mets introduced Jorge Polanco in a virtual call with the media.
Polanco said he advertised himself this winter as someone who can play first, second, and third. The Mets told the versatile Polanco that he would be playing a “good amount of first base” while also saying he could bounce around the infield.
Polanco pointed to how the Mets care for their players as a big factor for signing with the Mets and expressed excitement at playing with leaders like Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto.
Starling Marte helped sell Polanco on the Mets and spoke glowingly about his experience with the organization.
When asked about the departures of Edwin Díaz and Pete Alonso, he said, “It was definitely surprising that they both left, but it’s also business”.
Alonso appeared on the Foul Territory podcast and spoke about his departure from the Mets and his mindset when it became clear he wasn’t returning to New York.
Will Sammon argued the case for the Mets forgoing discipline and pursuing free agent Cody Bellinger.
Carson Benge is quickly climbing up the team’s farm system and could impact their 2026 plans.
Around the National League East
Ben Clemens analyzed the Phillies sending Matt Strahm to the Royals for Jonathan Bowlan.
Charlotte Varnes explored what reliever Brad Keller brings to Philadelphia’s bullpen after his breakout 2025 campaign.
The Phillies added reliever Zach Pop on a one-year deal to compete for a spot in their bullpen.
The Phillies are counting on Justin Crawford (No. 1 prospect in the Phillies’ farm system, No. 16 overall in MLB according to MLB’s prospect rankings) for an outfield role in 2026.
JR Ritchie (No. 2 prospect in the Braves’ farm system, No. 86 overall in MLB according to MLB’s prospect rankings) could be the latest Braves’ pitching prospect to burst into the big leagues.
The Baseball Prospectus staff wrote about the Braves’ top prospects.
The Marlins’ ‘electric’ prospect Josh White is aiming to build off of a very strong 2025 campaign.
The 2026 season will be one of opportunity for highly-ranked Nationals’ catching prospect Harry Ford.
Around Major League Baseball
With the recent moves the Red Sox have made, the club has created the financial path to make a big move, and Ken Rosenthal believes that move should be Alex Bregman.
Speaking of Bregman, the latest chatter suggests that the Red Sox, Diamondbacks, Blue Jays, and Cubs are interested in signing the All-Star infielder.
Brian Murphy revisited some of the best and worst 2025 season predictions..
Anthony Castrovince compiled the “All-Awardless” team for 2025.
Castrovince also talked about how college baseball and MLB are growing significantly closer.
Sam Dykstra looked at nine farm systems that improved the most in 2025.
Dykstra, along with Jonathan Mayo, picked out one stat from each farm system that caught their eye in 2025.
Jeffrey Lutz identified the 40 best bat flips of 2025.
Munetaka Murakami will bring a powerful presence and personality to the White Sox lineup, explains Scott Merkin.
The Mariners inked Rob Refsnyder to a one-year deal.
Bryan Hoch profiled Spencer Jones (No. 4 prospect in the Yankees’ farm system, No. 99 overall in MLB according to MLB’s prospect rankings), who is looking to bring his power bat to the Bronx Bombers’ outfield.
The Yankees have signed former Mets catcher Ali Sánchez to a minor league deal.
The Cubs are signing Christian Bethancourt to a minor league deal that could be worth $1.6 million if he makes the major league club.
The Reds are in talks with the White Sox for Luis Robert Jr.
Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue
Thomas Henderson explored how the Mets’ minor league system is potentially influencing their offseason plans.
This Date in Mets History
On week after Ken Griffey Jr. vetoed a trade to New York, the Mets traded Roger Cedeño, Octavio Dotel, and minor leaguer Kyle Kessel for Astros’ ace Mike Hampton on this date in 1999.
