Athletics purchased a utility company Jeff McNeil from Metz in a trade that will continue to overhaul New York's roster this offseason and add veterans to the Athletics' roster.
The Mets, who will receive minor league right-hander Yordan Rodriguez in the trade, will also send $5.75 million to the Athletics to help cover McNeil's $15.75 million salary for the 2026 season. New York also agreed to pay McNeil a $2 million buyout if the A's don't exercise their $15.75 million club option for 2027.
McNeil, who turns 34 in April, was a 12th-round pick by the Mets in 2013 and didn't make his major league debut until the 2018 season, when he was 26 years old. He quickly made valuable contributions, winning the 2022 National League title and making two All-Star teams in eight seasons in New York. He hit .243 with 12 home runs and a 111 OPS+ in 122 games last season while logging innings at five different positions plus designated hitter, giving New York a consistent player in the box and a versatile, if regressing, defender.
But the Mets, determined to improve their defense after a disastrous campaign, decided left-handed hitting McNeil would not be part of the puzzle for 2026 after acquiring Marcus Semien play second base and sign a contract Jorge Polanco play first base this offseason.
WITH Brett Baty likely candidate to start at third base and Mark Winds, Ronnie MauricioAnd Luisangel Acuna — all at significantly lower salaries — rounding out the infield depth chart, McNeil has become expendable in a winter that has already seen other Mets players pitch. Edwin Diaz, Pete AlonsoAnd Brandon Nimmo join new teams.
Before Monday's trade, McNeil was slated to play primarily left field after Nimmo was traded to the team. Texas Rangers for Semyon. Now the Mets can give the job to top prospect Carson Benge or acquire a veteran to replace Nimmo. Free agent Cody Bellinger That's one of the options the Mets considered this offseason, sources told ESPN.
In Sacramento, McNeil looks to play second base while adding to a strong lineup that already features the American League Rookie of the Year. Nick Kurtz, Shea Langeliers, Tyler Soderstrom, Brent Rucker, Jacob Wilson And Lawrence Butler. The Athletics, who are hoping to improve on their 76-86 record in 2025, made only one other notable addition this offseason, signing a veteran pitcher. Mark Leiter Jr.. to an annual contract.
McNeil underwent a procedure to correct thoracic outlet syndrome shortly after the Mets' season ended. He is expected to be ready for spring training.
In favor of McNeil, the Athletics waived 17-year-old Rodriguez, who left Cuba in January for $400,000. He appeared in eight games, including one start, in the Dominican Republic Summer League, his first professional experience, posting a 2.93 ERA with 20 strikeouts and eight walks in 15 1/3 innings.
