A’s to acquire two-time All-Star INF/OF Jeff McNeil

The Athletics have found their second baseman.

According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the A’s have acquired two-time All-Star second baseman Jeff McNeil from the New York Mets. The Mets will also be sending over $5.75 million to cover part of his $15.7 million salary for the 2026 season.

The A’s will also have a $15.7 million team option on McNeil for the 2027 season.

In return for McNeil, the Athletics send right-handed pitcher Yordan Rodriguez, who went 2-0 with a 2.93 ERA over 20 strikeouts over 15.1 innings in Rookie Ball.

To make room for McNeil on the 40-man roster, the A’s designated left-handed pitcher Ken Waldichuck for assignment.

Full trade, per ESPN sources:

A’s receive: Jeff McNeil and $5.75 million (to help cover his $15.75 million salary; the Mets also would pay his $2 million buyout if his option isn’t exercised)

Mets receive: RHP Yordan Rodriguez

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 22, 2025

About new Athletics 2B/INF Jeff McNeil

Jeff McNeil is a two-time All-Star (2019 & 2022) and Silver Slugger Award winner with eight years of big-league experience under his belt.

McNeil won the National League batting title during the 2022 season, batting .326 with 174 hits over 148 games played.

The Athletics were rumored to be looking into acquiring a second baseman this offseason, being linked to Ha-Seong Kim before he re-signed with the Atlanta Braves, and Tampa Bay Rays infielder Brandon Lowe, who was traded to Pittsburgh over the weekend.

Amid an offseason that has already featured plenty of turnover for the Mets in Queens, McNeil is the latest player to depart Queens, joining star first baseman Pete Alonso (Orioles), closer Edwin Diaz (Dodgers), and outfielder Brandon Nimmo (traded to Rangers).

McNeil will provide the A’s with a solid bat in the order, one that can play several positions on the diamond, including all three outfield spots and first base.

During the 2025 season, McNeil hit .243 with 11 home runs, 54 RBI, and walked 49 times (against 55 strikeouts). McNeil’s .746 on-base-plus-slugging percentage would have ranked seventh on last year’s A’s team.

More Athletics content from Sactown Sports

As the MLB free agency period crawls along at a glacial pace, the Athletics are reportedly being more active than many think behind the scenes.

While the A’s have already signed former New York Yankees relief pitcher Mark Leiter Jr. and traded for infielder Justin Reimer from the Boston Red Sox, they also made a push for one of the top infielders available on the market.

According to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, the A’s made a four-year, $48 million offer to then-free agent shortstop Ha-Seong Kim before Kim re-upped with the Atlanta Braves on a one-year, $20 million deal.

It’s becoming somewhat less of a surprise to see the A’s active in MLB free agency.

Last offseason, the Athletics signed pitcher Luis Severino to the largest contract in franchise history at $67 million over three years. The A’s also inked players like slugger Brent Rookier and outfielder Lawrence Butler to lengthy extensions.

While the Athletics have an impressive crop of talent that includes Rookie of the Year winner Nick Kurtz, Rookie of the Year runner-up Jacob Wilson, OF/1B Tyler Soderstrom, and hard-hitting catcher Shea Langeliers, they still have holes to fill in their lineup and rotation.

Report: A’s offered Ha-Seong Kim long-term deal

Upcoming Athletics & MLB Offseason Schedule

• MLB Free agency is underway as of the day after the World Series
• Early-January – MLB Arbitration Negotiations
• Mid-February – Pitchers & Catchers report for Spring Training
• Saturday, February 21st – @ Chicago White Sox (Spring Training Opener)

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Frankie Cartoscelli Lead Editor & Kings Beat Writer

Author Name: Franklin Cartoscelli Bio: Franklin 'Frankie' Cartoscelli is Sactown Sports 1140's Lead Editor, Sacramento Kings beat writer and co-host of the Return of the Roar podcast. Professional Background: Worked in professional sports… Read more

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