A RARE YANKEE-METS TRADE COULD BE A WIN-WIN FOR BOTH TEAMS!

The Yankees and that other New York team have always been rivals on the field, but this winter that has also played out in the free agent market. Now, the Yankees and Mets might be able to help each other out by a mutually beneficial trade.

It's no secret, the Yankees want to get rid of Marcus Stroman. It's easy to see he is the SIXTH best rotation option, and the Yankees just don't need him....and especially not at the $18 million price tag. The Mets on the other hand, are really looking to bolster their starting rotation. Right now, that is a major weak point on their roster. Too bad Juan Soto isn't like Shohei Ohtani and can pitch, also.

I never wanted Stroman, but pitching is always in demand and even though he doesn't "fit" on our roster anymore, he certainly would on many other teams. So, I'm not giving up on the Yankees actually moving him. The Mets need pitching, and the Yankees have something we would like to have. Here's where the win-win comes in.....

The Mets have Jeff McNeil, and also some young talent that they would like to bring up and use instead of McNeil. Here's where things get interesting.... McNeil can play second, third or left field and these are all areas the Yankees could use some extra help. The Yankees have been looking for another infielder, and that would give some extra versatility in the lineup. It's a fit for both sides.

I know McNeil isn't as flashy of an option as some other names we have talked about, but he's got two years left on his contract and at $15.7 million the next two seasons he's more affordable than any of the bigger names the Yankees have been tied to. McNeil has a career .289 BA even after a "down" year last year where he hit .238 BA but he's durable and has averaged at least 120 games since 2021. He's not a power hitter, but he's won a silver slugger and was an All-Star in 2022. The Yankees don't need a roster full of power hitters.

He's also a nice insurance to DJ LeMahieu who is not a viable everyday option. Strategically, it gives the Yankees a lot of possibilities without spending a ton of money. The Yankees would get another infielder (at either position!) that they need, and the Mets get some more pitching. The real question is.... would the Mets be interested in a reunion with the Stroman?

The Yankees want to get rid of Stroman....this is one way to do it. Honestly, I don't care how they get it done, just do it!

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj