The New York Mets have traded veteran infielder Jeff McNeil to the Oakland Athletics in exchange for right-handed pitcher Yordan Rodriguez. The McNeil trade marks another notable move for the Mets, who have seen significant turnover this offseason following the departures of All-Stars Pete Alonso and Edwin Díaz in free agency. The Athletics will need to make a corresponding move to clear space on their 40-man roster.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan first reported the full details of the transaction. Under the terms of the deal, New York will send $5.75 million to help offset McNeil’s $15.75 million salary for the 2026 season and will also cover the $2 million buyout on his $15.75 million club option for 2027 if the A’s decline it.
McNeil, 33, spent all eight of his major league seasons with the Mets. He hit .243 with 12 home runs, 54 RBIs and three stolen bases last season, marking a second straight year of modest offensive output after a sharp decline from earlier production. Over his career, the two-time All-Star owns a .283 batting average with 80 home runs and 367 RBIs, highlighted by a National League-best .326 average in 2022.
Despite recent struggles, McNeil has been one of the more versatile players of his era, earning Rookie of the Year votes in 2018 and All-Star selections in 2019 and 2022. His role in New York became uncertain after the Mets acquired second baseman Marcus Semien from the Texas Rangers in November as part of a deal that sent Brandon Nimmo to Texas.
Rodriguez went 2-0 with a 2.93 ERA across eight appearances, including one start, during his first season at the rookie-ball level in Oakland’s system.
Editorial credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com
