The New York Mets continued their rebuilding process by trading second baseman Jeff McNeil to the Oakland Athletics following the failure of last season’s campaign. The move came after the departures of Pete Alonso, Edwin Díaz, and Brandon Nimmo — players who had spent nearly a decade with the organization and were long viewed as foundational pieces of the roster.
McNeil had spent his entire professional career with the Mets, making the trade one of the most significant personnel changes of the offseason. With his exit, the Mets moved further away from the core that had defined the team for much of the past decade.
- The Mets traded former NL batting champion Jeff McNeil to the Athletics as part of a full organizational reset after a disappointing season.
- New York absorbed millions of dollars in remaining salary and received 17-year-old pitching prospect Yordan Rodriguez in return.
- McNeil leaves behind a long Mets career filled with awards, All-Star appearances, emotional farewells, and a fan base struggling to accept the team’s new direction.
Trade Terms, Financial Details, and the Mets’ Long-Term Gamble
McNeil was traded to Oakland in exchange for Yordan Rodriguez, a 17-year-old right-handed pitcher from Cuba. Rodriguez signed earlier this year for $400,000 and pitched in the Dominican Summer League, where he recorded a 2.93 ERA. Scouting reports state that his fastball reaches 96 mph and his secondary pitch sits around 90 mph.
To complete the deal, the Mets agreed to cover part of McNeil’s remaining contract. McNeil has $17.75 million left on his deal, including a $15.75 million base salary for next season and a team option for 2027. Reports state that New York will send up to $7.75 million in one account and $5.75 million in another to Oakland to offset the salary. McNeil is described as either 33 years old or set to turn 34.
Following the trade, left-handed pitcher David Peterson became the longest-tenured player on the Mets’ roster, having made his major league debut in 2020.
Sportsbook Futures Update Following the Trade
As the Mets continued dismantling their former core, sportsbooks quietly adjusted their long-term expectations for the franchise. Caesars Sportsbook listed the Mets at +1600 to win the 2026 World Series, with an implied probability of 4.7 percent, while the Athletics were listed at +7500 with a 1.0 percent implied probability. DraftKings also posted the Mets at +1600, carrying a 4.6 percent implied probability.
BetMGM’s early offseason board listed the Mets at +1400 and the Athletics at +10000. Earlier offseason listings had placed the Mets in the +1400 to +1500 range before later boards showed +1600. Action Network, citing DraftKings odds, listed the Mets at +600 to win the 2026 National League.
Jeff McNeil’s Mets Career and Statistical Record
McNeil was selected by the Mets in the 12th round of the 2013 MLB Draft out of Long Beach State University. After working through the minor leagues, he made his major league debut in 2018 and became a regular in the lineup due to his defensive versatility and contact-oriented hitting approach.
Across 923 games with the Mets, McNeil recorded a .286 batting average, 193 doubles, 80 home runs, 367 RBIs, and a .779 OPS. His career honors include two All-Star selections, a Silver Slugger Award, and the 2022 National League batting title.
Last season, McNeil appeared in 122 games and posted a slash line of .243/.335/.411, along with 21 doubles and 12 home runs. Injuries limited his availability during that season.
Farewell Message and Front Office Statement
After the trade was finalized, McNeil shared a farewell message on social media alongside a video of Mets highlights. “New York will always be a part of my story,” McNeil wrote, adding that the Mets organization was all he had ever known since being drafted in 2013 and describing his time with the club as “an incredible run.”
Jeff McNeil says goodbye to the Mets:
“New York will always be a part of my story. The Mets organization is all I have ever known since being drafted in 2013, and it has been an incredible run. I’m incredibly thankful for every moment, every lesson, and every memory along the… pic.twitter.com/uOeBwMyy0A
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) December 27, 2025
Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns issued a statement following the deal. “I want to thank Jeff for his time and contributions to the organization,” Stearns said. “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.”
I’ll stand by this.
Jeff McNeil was a good player that for some reason Met fans pretended he wasn’t.
pic.twitter.com/LNgw7CIX0l— Robyn (@BallGurl908) December 22, 2025
McNeil’s departure followed a report less than a month earlier describing another confrontation with shortstop Francisco Lindor, four years after a previous physical incident. The report stated that Lindor verbally attacked McNeil following a defensive lapse during a 10-2 loss to the Phillies on June 20.
