Mets Trade Jeff McNeil to Sacramento, Shake Up Continues in Queens
The Mets’ offseason overhaul kept rolling this week, as New York shipped former batting champ Jeff McNeil to Sacramento in exchange for 17-year-old right-hander Yordan Rodriguez. The Mets are also covering part of McNeil’s salary in the deal, signaling that this move wasn’t just about clearing payroll - it’s about reshaping the roster from the ground up.
McNeil, once a cornerstone of the Mets’ lineup and a fan favorite for his gritty, contact-heavy approach, now heads to an Oakland Athletics team in transition. While his bat may not be at the peak of his batting title days, McNeil still brings a unique skill set - a left-handed hitter with positional versatility and a knack for putting the ball in play. For the A’s, who are rebuilding with a mix of prospects and veterans, McNeil could slot in as a stabilizing presence in the lineup and in the clubhouse.
As for the Mets, this is just the latest chapter in what’s becoming a full-blown roster reset. The front office has been active - and aggressive - in reshaping the team’s identity, and the McNeil move is one of several that suggest this isn’t just a retooling. It’s a realignment.
Jorge Polanco, one of the newest Mets acquisitions, has already said he’s open to playing first base. That’s notable, considering he’s logged exactly one pitch at the position in his professional career.
But it also speaks to the Mets’ flexibility-first mindset right now. They’re not just looking for talent - they’re looking for players willing to adapt.
Pirates Make Rare Free Agent Splash
In Pittsburgh, the Pirates made a rare dip into the multiyear free-agent pool, signing first baseman Ryan O’Hearn to a two-year, $29 million deal. It’s the first time the Pirates have handed out a multiyear contract to a free agent since 2016 - a signal that they may finally be ready to invest in the present, not just the future.
O’Hearn, who’s coming off a strong season, gives the Pirates a left-handed bat with pop and a veteran presence in a young clubhouse. It’s a move that suggests the Pirates are trying to turn the corner from rebuilding to competing - or at least to respectability.
White Sox Land Murakami, Add Newcombe
The White Sox made headlines of their own, officially welcoming Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami to Chicago. The plan is to have him play first base and hit in the heart of the order - a clear sign that the Sox see him as a foundational piece moving forward.
Murakami’s arrival is part of a broader strategy in Chicago, and it didn’t stop there. The Sox also signed left-handed reliever Sean Newcombe to a one-year, $4.5 million deal, adding depth to a bullpen that’s been in flux.
Top Japanese Prospect Heads to Penn State
In a surprising twist, right-hander Genei Sato - once projected as an early first-round pick in the upcoming NPB Draft - is heading stateside. The Sendai University standout has transferred to Penn State and will now be eligible for the 2027 MLB Draft. It’s a move that underscores how the lines between the college and pro games are starting to blur, especially when it comes to international talent.
Red Sox Make a Move, Eye Bigger Ones
The Red Sox were also active, acquiring first baseman Willson Contreras in a trade. The move gives Boston a proven bat and some flexibility behind the plate, but it may just be the beginning. With some financial breathing room now in place, Boston could be lining up for a bigger swing - possibly a run at re-signing Alex Bregman.
Around the League: Notes and Nuggets
- Reds ace Hunter Greene made it clear he wants to stay in Cincinnati, saying he’s "committed" to the team and not looking for a trade. That’s big news for a franchise trying to build around its young core.
- Outfielder Rob Refsnyder, at age 34, just signed the biggest contract of his career - a reminder that persistence and adaptability still matter in this league.
- Phillies star Bryce Harper announced he’ll suit up for Team USA in the next World Baseball Classic, adding some serious firepower to an already loaded roster.
- MLB continues to navigate a brewing controversy over standardizing technology across the league. Some teams and tech companies are concerned that the league’s decisions could create winners and losers in a rapidly evolving space.
And One for the Collectors
A previously unknown 1909 T206 Honus Wagner card has surfaced and is heading to auction. The card - one of the most iconic in baseball history - has been held in the same family for over a century. It’s a rare find, and it’s sure to draw serious attention from collectors.
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Whether it’s trades, signings, or surprise moves from Japan to the NCAA, baseball’s offseason hasn’t taken a holiday. The Mets are turning over their roster, the Pirates are spending, and the White Sox are betting big on international talent. And with Bryce Harper committing to Team USA and a Honus Wagner card hitting the auction block, the game’s past, present, and future are all on display this December.