Mets trade McNeil to Athletics for pitching prospect

The New York Mets traded utility man Jeff McNeil and cash to the Athletics for pitching prospect Yordan Rodriguez, the club announced Monday.

The Mets are sending $5.75 million to help cover the remainder of McNeil's contract, which includes a $15.75-million salary for 2026 and a $2-million buyout on a $15.75-million club option for 2027, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN.

New York will reportedly pay the buyout if the two-time All-Star's option isn't exercised.

McNeil, who has spent his whole eight-year career in Queens, is the latest member of the team's core to be shipped out or not retained in free agency. The club has also seen Brandon Nimmo, Pete Alonso, and Edwin Díaz depart this offseason.

The 33-year-old McNeil hit 12 homers with 54 RBIs and a .746 OPS over 122 games in 2025. His best season came in 2022 when he won the NL batting title with a .326 average en route to authoring a 5.5 fWAR.

Rodriguez, 17, posted a 2.93 ERA with 11.7 K/9 over eight appearances in the Dominican Summer League this year.