Jeff McNeil wrote a heartfelt message to Mets followers on Saturday.
McNeil, who had spent his whole skilled profession with the Mets earlier than being dealt to the Athletics on Monday, took to Instagram to thank the followers, teaching employees and his teammates over his eight-year run in Queens.
“New York will at all times be part of my story,” McNeil wrote alongside a video that included Mets highlights.
“The Mets group is all I’ve ever identified since being drafted in 2013, and it has been an unimaginable run. I’m extremely grateful for each second, each lesson, and each reminiscence alongside the way in which.
“I’m particularly grateful for the followers who welcomed me and my household and made New York really feel like dwelling for thus lengthy. Thanks to Steve and Alex Cohen, the teaching employees, and my teammates who made this journey so significant.
“With a lot gratitude, it’s time to show the web page and embrace the following chapter in inexperienced and gold.”
McNeil, 33, was traded to the Athletics in trade for 17-year-old pitching prospect Yordan Rodriguez.
As well as, the Mets are sending over $5.75 million to the A’s to offset the $15.75 million McNeil is owed for subsequent season.
“I wish to thank Jeff for his time and contributions to the group,” Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns mentioned in an announcement after the deal was made official. “He was drafted by the group and grew up in our system. I want Jeff and his household success and good luck going ahead. We’re excited to deliver Yordan into our system. He’s a younger right-hander with a promising future.”
McNeil’s time in Queens was assumed to be approaching an finish as soon as the Mets traded outfielder Brandon Nimmo for second baseman Marcus Semien, a deal that finally made the two-time All-Star expendable.
Throughout 122 video games final season, McNeil posted a slash line of .243/.335/.411 with 21 doubles and 12 homers, an enchancment over his 2024 season however nonetheless a decline from his batting title season in 2022.
McNeil’s departure additionally comes lower than a month after The Submit’s Mike Puma reported that he and shortstop Francisco Lindor — 4 years after issues received bodily between the 2 — received into one other confrontation this previous season, through which the latter began to verbally assault McNeil following a defensive lapse throughout a Mets 10-2 loss to the Phillies on June 20.
