The Athletics added a veteran presence to their young, homegrown infield.
The A’s acquired veteran second baseman Jeff McNeil for right-handed pitcher Yordan Rodriguez in a trade with the New York Mets, the team announced Monday afternoon after ESPN’s Jeff Passan first reported the news.
Passan also reported, citing sources, that the A’s will acquire McNeil and $5.75 million from New York in the deal.
Full trade, per ESPN sources:
A’s receive: Jeff McNeil and $5.75 million (to help cover his $15.75 million salary; the Mets also would pay his $2 million buyout if his option isn’t exercised)
Mets receive: RHP Yordan Rodriguez
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 22, 2025
To make room for McNeil on the 40-man roster, the A’s designed left-handed pitcher Ken Waldichuk for assignment.
The 33-year-old McNeil, in eight seasons with the Mets, batted .284/.351/.428 with 80 home runs and 367 RBI in 923 career games.
In 2025, McNeil batted .243/.335/.411 with 12 homers and 54 RBI in 462 plate appearances.
Selected by New York in the 12th round of the 2013 MLB Draft, McNeil was a two-time All-Star (2019, 2022) and won a Silver Slugger Award (2022) during his time with the Mets.
He now joins a young A’s infield headlined by first baseman and 2025 American League Rookie of the Year Nick Kurtz, All-Star shortstop Jacob Wilson and catcher Shea Langeliers.