The Athletics have quietly constructed a powerful lineup in Sacramento. They added one other attention-grabbing piece to the puzzle on Monday.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported that the A’s acquired utility man Jeff McNeil from the Mets. Pitching prospect Yordan Rodriguez is heading to New York in return. The Mets are additionally sending $5.75M to cowl a portion of McNeil’s $15.75M wage this season and would pay the $2M buyout of his 2026 staff choice if the A’s decline to choose it up.
McNeil received the Nationwide League batting title in 2022, posting a .326/.382/.454 batting line with 39 doubles over his 589 plate appearances. That manufacturing led to a four-year, $50M extension heading into the 2023 season. McNeil’s manufacturing has fallen off since as he has posted a .253/.326/.389 batting line with 34 homers and 72 doubles in his 1,582 plate appearances since the start of 2023.
Jeff McNeil may very well be vital a part of Athletics lineup
The A’s had reportedly been looking to improve their lineup at second and third in the course of the offseason. Infielder Zack Gelof had been unable to construct on a powerful rookie season in 2023 and underwent surgical procedure after dislocating his left shoulder late within the 2025 marketing campaign. Likewise, the A’s myriad of third basemen didn’t present important energy, hitting a combined 10 homers to rank twenty eighth within the majors.
McNeil may be part of the answer at second whereas probably backing up all three outfield positions. He gives a stable veteran bat to a proficient, however younger, lineup that includes first baseman Nick Kurtz and catcher Shea Langeliers. If McNeil can have a renaissance within the launching pad often called Sutter Well being Park, he may very well be a invaluable choice atop the lineup.
McNeil additionally gives the A’s with safety as they give the impression of being to the longer term. Infielder Leodalis De Vries was promoted to Double-A as an 18-year-old and held his personal on the stage. As he’s additionally a shortstop, both he or Jacob Wilson will doubtless shift positions. McNeil might probably function a bridge at second till De Vries is prepared for his main league debut. Likewise, McNeil is a stable insurance coverage coverage if Gelof continues to battle going ahead.
