Mets trade Jeff McNeil to Athletics for minor league pitcher

The Athletics have acquired utilityman Jeff McNeil from the Mets in a trade that continues New York’s offseason roster overhaul and adds a veteran presence to the Athletics’ deep lineup.

The Mets, who will receive minor-league right-hander Yordan Rodríguez in the trade, are also sending $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’s $2 million buyout if the A’s don’t exercise his $15.75 million club option for 2027.

McNeil, who turns 34 in April, was drafted by the Mets in the 12th round in 2013 and didn’t make his major-league debut until his age-26 season in 2018. He quickly became a valuable contributor, winning the 2022 National League batting title and making two All-Star teams in his eight seasons in New York. He slashed .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 steady contributor in the batter’s box and a versatile, though regressing, defender.

But the Mets, determined to improve their defense after a catastrophic campaign, decided the left-handed-hitting McNeil was not part of the puzzle for 2026 after acquiring Marcus Semien to play second base and signing Jorge Polanco to play first base this offseason.

With Brett Baty the likely candidate to start at third base and Mark Vientos, Ronny Mauricio, and Luisangel Acuna — all on vastly cheaper salaries — rounding out the infield depth chart, McNeil became expendable in a winter that has already seen fellow Mets fixtures Edwin Diaz, Pete Alonso, and Brandon Nimmo join new teams.

Before Monday’s trade, McNeil was projected to primarily play left field after Nimmo was traded to the Texas Rangers for Semien. Now the Mets could give that job to Carson Benge, a heralded prospect, or acquire a veteran to replace Nimmo. Free agent Cody Bellinger is among the options the Mets have considered adding this offseason, sources told ESPN.

In Sacramento, McNeil figures to play second base while lengthening a potent lineup that already features American League Rookie of the Year Nick Kurtz, Shea Langeliers, Tyler Soderstrom, Brent Rooker, Jacob Wilson and Lawrence Butler. The Athletics, who are looking to improve on their 76-86 record in 2025, have only made one other notable addition this offseason, signing veteran reliever Mark Leiter Jr. to a one-year contract.

McNeil underwent a procedure to address thoracic outlet syndrome shortly after the Mets’ season ended. He’s expected to be ready for spring training.

For McNeil, the Athletics gave up the 17-year-old Rodríguez, who signed out of Cuba for $400,000 in January. He pitched in eight games, including one start, in the Dominican Summer League for his first professional experience, posting a 2.93 ERA with 20 strikeouts to eight walks across 15 1/3 innings.