Mets Trade McNeil to Athletics for Prospect Rodriguez

The New York Mets traded veteran utility player Jeff McNeil to the Oakland Athletics on Monday, continuing their roster overhaul in the wake of a disappointing 2025 season. In exchange, the Mets acquired 17-year-old right-handed pitching prospect Yordan Rodriguez, while sending $5.75 million to Oakland to offset part of McNeil's $15.75 million salary for 2026. The Mets also remain responsible for a $2 million buyout should the Athletics decline McNeil's club option for 2027.

McNeil, who turns 34 in April, had spent his entire eight-year major league career with the Mets after being drafted in the 13th round in 2013. He debuted in 2018 and became one of the organization's longest-tenured players following the earlier trade of outfielder Brandon Nimmo to the Texas Rangers. Over 923 regular-season games, McNeil batted .284 with a .779 on-base-plus-slugging percentage, including 80 home runs. His standout 2022 season earned him a batting title with a .326 average and a spot as a two-time All-Star. However, his performance fluctuated, with below-league-average output in the years surrounding his peak. In 2025, he hit .243 with 12 home runs and 54 RBIs over 122 games, playing six...