The Mets faced a crowded roster after acquiring Marcus Semien and signing free agent Jorge Polanco, but they freed up some space by trading with the Athletics. New York sent infielder/outfielder Jeff McNeil and $5.75 million to Sacramento in exchange for right-handed pitcher Yordan Rodriguez.
The $5.75 million helps reduce the remaining $17.75 million owed on McNeil’s $50 million, four-year contract. McNeil is due to make $15.75 million next year, which includes a $15.75 million team option for 2027 with a $2 million buyout.
McNeil, a two-time All-Star and 2022 National League batting champion with a .326/.382/.454 season, outperformed his replacement by nearly six wins. Though he hasn’t matched that peak since, he’s been a versatile and reliable player for the Mets, able to play second base, corner outfield, third base, center field, or first base as needed. Since 2023, McNeil has hit .253/.326/.389 but had his best summer since 2022, posting an above-average 111 OPS+ over 122 games.
McNeil leaves a Mets team that struggled this year and missed the playoffs despite having the second-highest payroll behind the World Series-winning Los Angeles , with key payees including Pete Alonso, Brandon Nimmo, and Edwin Diaz.
The Athletics, who already have outfield powerhouses Tyler Soderstrom and Lawrence Butler plus defensive ace Denzel Clark, will likely keep McNeil at second base. Meanwhile, the Mets continue hoping for outfield improvements but have Semien at second and Polanco as a versatile player who can fill multiple positions, just as McNeil did.
Rodriguez, who will turn 18 on January 29, joined the Athletics in January with a $400,000 signing bonus. He recorded a 2-0 record and a 2.93 ERA over one start and seven relief appearances in the Dominican Summer League, striking out 20 batters and walking eight in 15.1 innings.
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Fan Take: This trade is significant for baseball fans because it shows how teams are balancing star talent with promising young prospects to build long-term success. The Mets’ move hints at a focus on developing pitching depth while the Athletics add a versatile and proven player to strengthen their infield, illustrating the ever-evolving strategies in roster management.
