Former National League batting champion Jeff McNeil has been traded from the Mets to the Athletics.

Despite prioritizing pitching upgrades this offseason, the Athletics completed a trade today to fill one of the remaining holes in their batting order—bringing in infielder/outfielder Jeff McNeil from the New York Mets while sending minor league right-hander Yordan Rodriguez the other way.

According to sources from MLB.com, the Athletics will also receive $5.75 million in cash from the Mets to help cover McNeil’s remaining $17.75 million contract for one year. To clear a spot on the 40-man roster, the Athletics designated left-hander Ken Waldichuk for assignment.

Trade Details

Athletics receive: Infielder/Outfielder Jeff McNeil, cash

Mets receive: Minor league right-handed pitcher Yordan Rodriguez

The Athletics expect to build a strong lineup around American League Rookie of the Year Nick Kurtz, supported by players like Jacob Wilson, Brent Rooker, Shea Langeliers, Tyler Soderstrom, and Lawrence Butler. However, second and third base remain positions the team aims to upgrade during the offseason.

Compared to the Athletics’ current relatively inexperienced roster, McNeil, who will turn 34 on April 8 next year, is a proven contributor. The 2022 National League batting champion has posted career batting averages of .284/.351/.428 over eight seasons—all with the Mets. Last season, he appeared in 122 games, batting .243 with 12 home runs.

The $5.75 million cash paid by the Mets means the Athletics only need to cover McNeil’s $10 million salary in 2026. His 2027 team option is worth $15.75 million with a $2 million buyout clause; if the option is declined, the buyout will be paid by the Mets.

McNeil fits the type of player highly valued by the Athletics: versatile, capable of solid defense at all three outfield positions as well as second base; and offensively skilled—last season his 16.6% swing-and-miss rate and 11.9% strikeout rate ranked among the top 10 hitters in the majors.

Seventeen-year-old Rodriguez spent a short time in the Athletics’ system. He signed with the team from Cuba for $400,000 during the January international signing period this year but did not make the club’s top 30 prospects list.

With McNeil joining alongside shortstop Jacob Wilson, the Athletics now have a double-play combination that could form one of the toughest top two hitters in the league. McNeil struck out only 55 times in 462 plate appearances last season, while Wilson struck out just 39 times in 523 plate appearances.

The Athletics may still look to strengthen third base, but McNeil’s arrival gives the team more confidence to evaluate young players like Darell Hernaiz, Max Muncy, and Brett Harris competing for that position during spring training. This trade also clouds the outlook for second baseman Zack Gelof, who is currently recovering from a left shoulder dislocation and might miss the start of spring training.