Overview
- The Athletics acquired Jeff McNeil from the Mets for right-hander Yordan Rodriguez, with New York sending $5.75 million; Oakland designated Ken Waldichuk for assignment to clear a roster spot.
- New York has seen core departures with Pete Alonso (Orioles), Edwin Díaz (Dodgers), Brandon Nimmo (traded to Rangers) and now McNeil, offset by additions including Jorge Polanco and reliever Devin Williams, plus a reported agreement with Luke Weaver.
- Team messaging and reporting emphasize shorter contracts and clearing 40-man space for a youth wave, with prospects such as Jett Williams, Carson Benge, Nolan McLean, Brandon Sproat and Jonah Tong expected to push for roles in 2026.
- The Mets are working to add a right-handed bat/outfielder and innings for the rotation; they’ve been linked to names such as Alex Bregman and Bo Bichette but prefer shorter terms, and have internally discussed free-agent outfielder Austin Hays, per reports.
- Multiple outlets report the moves also target a clubhouse reset, with The Athletic relaying a rival executive’s description of last season’s environment as a “disaster.”