The New York Mets have traded infielder Jeff McNeil and cash considerations to the Oakland Athletics in exchange for 17-year-old pitching prospect Yordan Rodriguez. This move clears space in the Mets' infield amid an offseason roster overhaul that has seen several long-tenured players depart. McNeil, a key part of the Mets for eight seasons, heads to Oakland as the team reshapes its lineup.
The trade, announced on Monday, marks another significant change for the Mets during an offseason that has already seen the departure of their four longest-tenured players. Jeff McNeil, who will turn 34 on April 8, leaves New York after a career batting line of .284/.351/.428 over eight MLB seasons, all with the Mets. He won the 2022 batting title with a .326 average but has hit .253/.326/..389 since then, including .243 with 12 home runs in 122 games in 2025 while playing second base and center field.
The deal addresses the Mets' infield logjam following the acquisitions of Marcus Semien and Jorge Polanco earlier this offseason. New York now features Brett Baty, Mark Vientos, Ronny Mauricio, and Luisangel Acuña, with top prospect Jett Williams nearing the majors. In the outfield, No. 2 prospect Carson Benge is set for time in left or center, and the team continues to seek additional help.
In return, the Mets receive Yordan Rodriguez, a right-handed pitcher who posted a 2.93 ERA in eight games (one start) in his first professional season in Rookie ball. The 17-year-old Cuban, signed by Oakland for $400,000 in January, is not ranked among the A's top 30 prospects by MLB Pipeline and won't immediately crack New York's list either.
"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 and good luck going forward. We are excited to bring Yordan into our system. He is a young right-hander with a promising future."
The Mets included $5.75 million in cash to offset part of McNeil's $15.75 million 2026 salary, plus $2 million toward his 2027 buyout if the A's decline his $15.75 million option. This follows the trade of Brandon Nimmo to the Rangers for Semien, and the free agency losses of Pete Alonso and Edwin Díaz. David Peterson (debut 2020) and Francisco Lindor (joined 2021) are now the longest-tenured Mets.
The move comes amid reports of clubhouse tensions involving McNeil, including a verbal spat with Lindor. Manager Carlos Mendoza defended the team's culture at the Winter Meetings, noting their strong start to 2025. Stearns has emphasized reshaping the roster, which has made just one deep playoff run since 2015. The Mets remain active in pursuing outfielders like Kyle Tucker and Cody Bellinger, as well as starting pitching.
"Even for a player, it’s a little sad seeing those guys go," Mets pitcher Clay Holmes said. "They’re great players. They’ve been great Mets for a long time. They really connected with the fan base. As people, as players, even in the clubhouse, they’re great people. So it’s always tough to see those guys go. At the same time, those aren’t easy decisions I’m sure."
