The New York Mets have traded veteran infielder Jeff McNeil to the Athletics for pitching prospect Yordan Rodriguez. The Mets will also send $5.75 million to the Athletics to cover McNeil’s $15.75 million salary. Jeff Passan of ESPN was first to report this development Monday afternoon.
McNeil, 33, is in the final year of a four-year, $50 million contract that he signed in 2023. He will make $15.75 million next season and has a club option for 2027. The Mets will pay his $2 million buyout if his option isn’t exercised.
“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 grew up in our system. I wish Jeff and his family success going forward.”
With McNeil off the roster, the Mets will likely start Marcus Semien, whom they acquired by trading Brandon Nimmo to the Texas Rangers, at second base. Prospect Carson Benge can replace McNeil in the outfield.
Jeff McNeil
The Mets selected Jeff McNeil out of California State University in the 12th round of the 2013 MLB Draft. After five seasons of minor league baseball, he made his major league debut in 2018. That season he had 74 hits, 19 RBI, three home runs and 11 doubles.
McNeil began to make a name for himself in 2019, when he hit 23 home runs, 75 RBI and 38 doubles on a .318 batting average. He made his first All-Star appearance that year. His most memorable season came in 2022, when he won the NL batting title for recording 174 hits, 62 RBI and nine home runs. He made his second All-Star appearance and won a Silver Slugger for his efforts.
McNeil’s offensive presence remained consistent throughout the next three seasons. He had more than 50 RBI twice and over 20 doubles in each season. However, the Mets’ infield became too crowded, leading them to trade him. Jeff McNeil will join a talented Athletics lineup, featuring AL Rookie of the Year Nick Kurtz and All-Star shortstop Jacob Wilson. The Athletics are looking to improve from a 77–86 record, which McNeil’s experience and leadership can help them achieve.
Mets Receive Rodriguez
The Mets received Rodriguez, a 17-year-old pitching prospect, for McNeil. Rodriguez signed with the Athletics out of Cuba for $400,000 in January. In his first season playing in the Dominican Summer League, he went 2–0 in eight appearances. He struck out 20 batters in 15 innings with a 2.93 ERA. However, he did give up 11 hits, five earned runs and eight walks. Rodriguez possesses raw talent that the Mets’ pitching staff can develop from a young age, with a fastball that touches 96 mph.
“We are excited to bring Yordan into our system. He is a young right-hander with a promising future,” Stearns added.
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