The Athletics have quietly constructed a formidable 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 crew possibility if the A’s decline to select 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 for the reason that begin of 2023.
Jeff McNeil might be vital a part of Athletics lineup
The A’s had reportedly been trying to improve their lineup at second and third through the offseason. Infielder Zack Gelof had been unable to construct on a formidable 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 vital energy, hitting a mixed 10 homers to rank twenty eighth within the majors.
McNeil might be part of the answer at second whereas probably backing up all three outfield positions. He offers a stable veteran bat to a gifted, however younger, lineup that includes first baseman Nick Kurtz and catcher Shea Langeliers. If McNeil can have a renaissance within the launching pad generally known as Sutter Well being Park, he might be a useful possibility atop the lineup.
McNeil additionally offers 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 possible 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 wrestle going ahead.
