Overview
- The Mets sent Jeff McNeil to the Athletics for 17-year-old right-hander Yordan Rodriguez and will pay $5.75 million toward his 2026 salary plus a $2 million option buyout.
- The move continues a broader turnover that has seen Pete Alonso and Edwin Díaz depart in free agency and Brandon Nimmo traded, a shift MLB.com characterizes as the end of the previous core.
- Team guidance points to adding an outfielder and a right-handed bat without long commitments to avoid blocking top prospect Carson Benge, with interest more likely via trade than free agency.
- Starting pitching remains a stated priority, with the club seeking innings stability and remaining wary of long-term deals even as the market for frontline arms develops.
- The approach leans on an incoming wave of talent such as Benge and Jett Williams and is complemented by recent additions Jorge Polanco, Devin Williams and officially signed reliever Luke Weaver.