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 pay a $2 million buyout if the A’s decline his club option for 2027, according to multiple reports.
McNeil, who turns 34 in April, leaves after eight seasons in Queens, during which he hit .284 with 80 homers and 367 RBIs in 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 bouncing primarily between second base and center field, the latest example of the defensive versatility that has made him a roster staple.
His start 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 moving closer to the majors.
Rodriguez, 17, signed with the Cuban Athletics for $400,000 in January and posted a 2.93 ERA with 20 strikeouts in 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 will not initially be on the Mets’ roster.
“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 has grown in our system. I wish Jeff and his family success and good luck for the future. We are excited to welcome Yordan to our system. He is a young right-hander with a promising future.”
The move continues a dramatic overhaul for the Mets. Earlier this winter, they traded Brandon Nimmo to Texas for Semien and saw Pete Alonso and Edwin Diaz leave in free agency. Left-hander David Peterson (2020 MLB debut) is now the club’s longest-tenured player, followed by Francisco Lindor (joined 2021).
–Field level media
