The New York Mets have begun a rebuilding process and are now continuing with an aggressive restructuring following the failure of last season’s campaign. The latest move is the trade of second baseman Jeff McNeil to the Athletics, a player who was the National League batting champion in 2022.
McNeil’s departure adds to others such as Pete Alonso, Edwin Díaz, and Brandon Nimmo, who have also recently left the team, causing outrage among some fans who considered them untouchable. Several of those players had spent nearly a decade as part of the organization, making their exits even more difficult for the fan base to accept.
Jeff McNeil’s exit from the Queens-based club comes via a trade that represents a long-term gamble: Cuban right-handed minor league pitcher Yordan Rodriguez.
With this move, pitcher David Peterson automatically becomes the longest-tenured player on the New York roster, a distinction he has held since making his debut in 2020.
The numbers behind the deal
To facilitate the departure of McNeil, who is set to turn 34, the Mets had to absorb a significant financial burden.
New York will send up to $7.75 million to the A’s to subsidize part of the $17.75 million remaining on the player’s contract. McNeil carries a base salary of $15.75 million for next season and has a team option for 2027.
McNeil’s farewell message
While McNeil will look to rediscover his form in Oakland after a season in which he hit .243 and dealt with injuries, the veteran infielder shared an emotional message following his departure from the team.
“New York will always be a part of my story. The Mets organization is all I have ever known since being drafted in 2013, and it has been an incredible run. I’m incredibly thankful for every moment, every lesson, and every memory along the way,” McNeil wrote alongside a video that included Mets highlights as part of his farewell.
Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns also offered words of praise for his now former player.
“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 executive said.
Who is Yordan Rodriguez?
The Mets are betting on Rodríguez, a 17-year-old who impressed in the Dominican Summer League, where he signed earlier this year for $400,000 and posted a 2.93 ERA.
According to scouting reports, he features a fastball that reaches 96 mph, while his secondary offering sits around 90 mph.
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