Mets trade Jeff McNeil to A’s for teen pitching prospect Yordan Rodriguez

The New York Mets have traded utilityman Jeff McNeil and cash to the Oakland Athletics for teenage right-hander Yordan Rodriguez, continuing their winter overhaul on Monday.

According to the media reports, New York will pay $5.75 million to offset McNeil’s $15.75 million salary in 2026, and will make a $2 million buyout if the Athletics decline his 2027 club option.

McNeil, 34, spent eight seasons in Queens, batting .284 with 80 home runs and 367 RBIs in 923 games. He also won the 2022 National League batting title, hitting .326.

Last season, the two-time All-Star (2019, 2022) hit 13 home runs in 122 games with a .243 average, mostly playing second base and centre field, demonstrating the defensive versatility that made him a regular in the Mets’ lineup.

His departure comes amid a crowded infield. Marcus Semien and Jorge Polanco were recently acquired, and the Mets’ roster still includes Brett Baty, Mark Vientos, Ronny Mauricio, and Luisangel Acuña, with top prospect Jett Williams expected to reach the majors soon.

Rodriguez, 17, signed by the Athletics from Cuba in January 2013 for $400,000, posted a 2.93 ERA with 20 strikeouts in 15⅓ innings across eight games (one start) in the Dominican Summer League.

He is not listed among the Athletics’ top 30 prospects and will not immediately feature on the Mets’ prospect list.

Mets president David Stearns expressed gratitude for McNeil’s contributions and optimism for Rodriguez.

"I want to thank Jeff for his time and contributions to the organisation," Stearns said.

"He was drafted by the team and grew up in our system. I wish Jeff and his family success and good luck going forward. We are excited to bring Yordan into our system. He is a young right-hander with a promising future."

The trade continues a dramatic reshaping of the Mets, following Brandon Nimmo’s trade to Texas and the departures of Pete Alonso and Edwin Díaz in free agency.