Mets pursuing $116.5 million star to replace Jeff McNeil after trade

The New York Mets traded Jeff McNeil away on Monday, sending him to the Athletics for a 17-year old pitching prospect.

If the Mets don't want an in-house replacement, they now have an opening at second base, one of the most trade-happy markets of the offseason.

The biggest name available: Ketel Marte.

The Arizona Diamondbacks signed Marte to a six-year, $116.5 million contract before the 2025 season. Now, they're already looking to deal him away.

MLB insider Francys Romero reported this Monday evening:

"With Jeff McNeil gone, the Mets are believed to be exploring Ketel Marte, or at least discussing him in trade talks, per an industry source."

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Marte is a three-time All Star.

This past season, Marte batted .283 with 28 home runs and 72 RBI.

Marte is 32 years old now, and the Diamondbacks may want to get out of his contract before he gets too old.

At the same time, Marte is currently worth his cost. If he keeps his production up for a few years, he'd be a great acquisition for the Mets.

New York is far from the only team interested in Marte. But with an opening now there to plug Marte into, that may be a combination that comes to fruition before the winter is done.

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