The Oakland Athletics are working to climb out of the bottom of the AL West. After a disappointing 2025 season, in which they finished with a 76-86 record, the team is addressing its offensive shortcomings by trading with the New York Mets for one of the league’s top hitters, Jeff McNeil.
This year, the A’s placed second-to-last in their division. To avoid a repeat, they are assembling what analysts already consider one of the strongest lineups heading into the upcoming season.
The 2022 MLB batting champion joins a roster that features AL Rookie of the Year Nick Kurtz, along with Jacob Wilson, Brent Rooker, Tyler Soderstrom, and Lawrence Butler.
But McNeil offers more than just a reliable bat. Widely regarded as one of the league’s best utility players, the eight-year veteran brings the versatility Oakland has been seeking.
The deal to bring McNeil to Oakland
To acquire McNeil, the Athletics sent young pitcher Yordan Rodriguez to New York. Oakland will also receive $5.75 million from the Mets to help cover the remaining $17.75 million on McNeil’s contract.
His contract includes a player option for 2027, with the Mets obligated to pay a $2 million buyout if McNeil declines. To make room for him, the A’s designated left-hander Ken Waldichuk for assignment.
McNeil, primarily a second baseman, joins recent addition Jacob Wilson at shortstop, giving Oakland one of the most dangerous infield pairings in the league.
Together, they could form a lethal 1-2 offensive punch. Last season, McNeil struck out only 55 times in 462 at-bats, while Wilson fanned just 39 times in 573 plate appearances.
Jeff McNeil’s career numbers
Across his eight-year career, McNeil has posted a .284 batting average, a .351 on-base percentage, and a .428 slugging percentage. Last season, he recorded 97 hits in 399 at-bats for a .243 average, along with 12 home runs in 122 games.
In an interview with MLB.com, general manager David Forst said McNeil will most likely play second base, though he emphasized that the player’s versatility gives the team flexibility.
With McNeil’s arrival and the addition of experienced reliever Mark Leiter Jr., the Athletics now need only a proven starter to emerge as true contenders in the 2026 season.
Read the full article here
