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Mets Trade Jeff McNeil to Athletics for 17-Year-Old Pitching Prospect

The cash-sweetened swap underscores the Mets’ drive for payroll flexibility under David Stearns.

Overview

  • New York sent McNeil plus $5.75 million to the Athletics and will cover a potential $2 million buyout if his 2027 club option is declined.
  • The Mets received right-hander Yordan Rodríguez, a 17-year-old Cuban who recorded a 2.93 ERA with 20 strikeouts in 15.1 DSL innings in 2025.
  • McNeil, a two-time All-Star and the 2022 NL batting champion, enters the final guaranteed year of his four-year, $50 million contract at $15.75 million for 2026.
  • The move continues an offseason overhaul that has included Pete Alonso and Edwin Díaz leaving and Brandon Nimmo being traded for Marcus Semien, with Jorge Polanco later signed.
  • Oakland plans to deploy McNeil primarily at second base in 2026 to reinforce a young lineup.