MLB Insider Buzz: Mets linked to $116,500,000 superstar right after Jeff McNeil trade while Dodgers, Cardinals eye Brendan Donovan deal

The New York Mets unexpectedly traded veteran Jeff McNeil to the Athletics and are now linked to another infielder, who might not sit well with the president of baseball operations, David Stearns' philosophy.

Meanwhile, the LA Dodgers and the St. Louis Cardinals are exploring trade ideas involving Brendon Donovan.

Mets exploring trade ideas for Ketel Marte after Jeff McNeil trade despite unconvincing fit

According to Mets reporter Tony Metro, the franchise was immediately linked to Ketel Marte after they traded Jeff McNeil to the Athletics in exchange for 17-year-old right-handed pitching prospect Yordan Rodriguez.

The interest in Marte is unconvincing because the Mets had already acquired second baseman Marcus Semien from the Texas Rangers in a deal that sent Brendon Nimmo the other way.

"If you do trade for Ketel Marte, where are you going to play him?" Metro asked. "They’re back-to-back Silver Sluggers. I mean, Ketel Marte is one of the most talented hitters in baseball. But then we go back to what David Stern said at the beginning of this offseason, which was, ‘We want to improve run prevention.'"

David Stearns has stressed the importance of infield defense, but if they go ahead to trade for Marte, the franchise will be left to make adjustments internally. Metro said the Mets will have to play Jorge Polanco at first base, a position he has never played before in his entire career.

Dodgers, Cardinals exploring trade ideas for Brendon Donovan

The LA Dodgers are reportedly interested in trading for St. Louis Cardinals utility player Brendan Donovan, per Dodgers Nation. The 28-year old could help the Dodgers in lineup construction since he has played all over the field.

Moreover, according to The Athletic's Will Sammon and Ken Rosenthal, the Red Sox are another interested party, and they had already initiated conversations regarding a potential trade.

“The Cardinals and Red Sox also have discussed a trade that would send infielder/outfielder Brendan Donovan to Boston, according to people briefed on the conversations. Donovan likely would play second base for the Red Sox..." The Athletic's report said.

Apart from the Dodgers and the Red Sox, other teams that are interested in Donovan are the New York Yankees, Kansas City Royals, Cleveland Guardians, and Seattle Mariners.

Edited by Krutik Jain