The New York Mets’ offseason makeover continues.
In an offseason that’s seen longtime franchise stalwarts Pete Alonso, Brandon Nimmo and Edwin Diaz relocate, the Mets parted ways with veteran infielder Jeff McNeil on Monday, Dec. 22, trading him to the Athletics in exchange for 17-year-old pitching prospect Yordan Rodriguez.
The Mets will also pay $5.75 million to cover part of McNeil’s $15.75 million salary for 2026.
McNeil, 32, was a 12th round draft pick of the Mets in 2013. He made his MLB debut in 2018 and has spent his entire eight-year MLB career in Queens. He is a two-time All-Star who won the National League batting title in 2022 with a .326 average.
McNeil seemed to be without a position on the Mets roster for the upcoming season, following the acquisition of second baseman Marcus Semien from Texas in the Nimmo trade.
McNeil is a career .284/.351/.428 hitter over his eight MLB seasons. Although he can play multiple positions, McNeil will likely slot in as the Athletics’ everyday second baseman.
The right-handed Rodriguez signed with the A’s in January as an international free agent out of Cuba. He posted a 2.93 ERA in eight games in Rookie ball this past season. He was not ranked among the A’s top 30 prospects, according to MLB Pipeline.