A’s make addition to bolster infield in trade for former Mets All-Star
The Athletics swung a trade this week for a proven veteran they hope will improve their infield and complement their promising young core in 2026.
In a trade with the New York Mets, the A’s on Monday added two-time All-Star and former Silver Slugger Jeff McNeil to shore up second base and provide flexibility in the outfield during their second season in West Sacramento.
“It’s a super fun team to watch,” McNeil told reporters in a Zoom call on Tuesday. “I actually watched quite a bit of their games ... just a super fun young team. Super excited to be a part of it.”
The 33-year-old has one year remaining on his contract with the Mets, including $5.75 million to help cover McNeil’s $17.75 million salary for 2026, according to a report from MLB.com. The left-handed hitter has a .284/.351/.438 slash line with four double-digit home run seasons including his rookie year in 2018.
He figures to be a substantial upgrade at second base where the A’s struggled offensively throughout 2025. A’s second basemen hit just .199/.267/.283 for the season. He’ll form a strong double-play combination with All-Star Jacob Wilson, who hit .311 in his first full season.
McNeil was an All-Star in 2019 and 2022. He earned the Silver Slugger while winning the battle title in 2022 when he hit .326. He grew up in Nipolo, just south of Pismo Beach and north of Santa Barbara along California’s central coast, and went Cal State Long Beach. The Mets drafted him in the 12th round in 2013. McNeil said his brother and his family live in the Sacramento area.
With the Mets in 2025, McNeil appeared in 122 games where he hit .243/.335/.411. His .746 OPS would have ranked sixth among A’s players who appeared in 100 games last year.
The A’s sent right-handed minor league pitcher Yordan Rodriguez to New York in the deal and designated lefty Ken Waldichuk for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster.
