The New York Mets continued their winter overhaul Monday, trading longtime utilityman Jeff McNeil and cash to the Athletics for teenage right-hander Yordan Rodriguez.
New York will send $5.75 million to help cover McNeil’s $15.75 million salary in 2026 and will pay a $2 million buyout if the A’s decline his 2027 club option, according to multiple reports.
McNeil, who turns 34 in April, leaves after eight seasons in Queens, in which he hit .284 with 80 home runs and 367 RBIs across 923 games and won the 2022 National League batting title (.326).
The two-time All-Star (2019, 2022) hit .243 with 12 homers in 122 games last season while mostly bouncing between second base and center field, the latest example of the defensive versatility that made him a lineup fixture.
His departure also clears a crowded infield. New York added Marcus Semien and Jorge Polanco earlier this offseason and still has Brett Baty, Mark Vientos, Ronny Mauricio and Luisangel Acuna in the mix, with top prospect Jett Williams nearing the majors.
Rodriguez, 17, signed with the Athletics out of Cuba for $400,000 in January and posted a 2.93 ERA with 20 strikeouts across 15 1/3 innings in the Dominican Summer League (eight games, one start). He was not ranked among the A’s top 30 prospects according to MLB Pipeline and won’t initially crack the Mets’ list.
“I want to thank Jeff for his time and contributions to the organization,” Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns said in a statement. “He was drafted by the team and grew up in our system. I wish Jeff and his family success and good luck going forward. We are excited to bring Yordan into our system. He is a young right-hander with a promising future.”
The move continues a dramatic reshaping in for the Mets. Earlier this winter, they traded Brandon Nimmo to Texas for Semien and saw Pete Alonso and Edwin Diaz depart in free agency. Left-hander David Peterson (MLB debut in 2020) is now the club’s longest-tenured player, followed by Francisco Lindor (joined in 2021).
