The Jeff McNeil era in Queens has officially come to a close.
The Mets have traded the veteran utilityman to the Athletics-now based in Sacramento-in a move that felt more inevitable than surprising. ESPN’s Jeff Passan broke the news Monday afternoon, and while the transaction might not shake the league, it does mark a clear shift in direction for New York’s front office.
So why now? Why McNeil?
This move boils down to two key factors: money and chemistry.
McNeil, known for his contact-first approach at the plate, hasn’t been quite the same hitter in recent seasons. As he’s aged, that elite bat-to-ball skill-once his calling card-has started to fade. And with a $15.75 million salary on the books for 2026, plus a $2 million buyout for a club option in 2027, the Mets were staring at a pricey commitment for a player whose production no longer matched the paycheck.
Even though New York is reportedly covering a significant chunk of that money to facilitate the deal, just moving McNeil off the roster and clearing space in the infield mix was evidently worth it. In return, they’re getting a rookie-ball arm-more of a long-term project than an immediate contributor.
This wasn’t about the return. It was about the reset.
Then there’s the clubhouse angle.
Reports earlier this offseason pointed to some tension between McNeil and Francisco Lindor. And when you’re choosing between the two, it’s not exactly a tough call.
Lindor is the face of the franchise, a cornerstone both on the field and in the locker room. If there was any lingering friction, the Mets made their choice clear-and it wasn’t going to be Lindor packing his bags.
What this means for the Mets moving forward
This trade opens the door for New York’s younger infield talent to step into larger roles. The Mets have been building up depth in that department, and now they’ll have the lineup flexibility to give those bats a real shot. Whether it’s a prospect making the leap or a role player earning a bigger share of the spotlight, this move signals a willingness to let the next wave of talent prove itself.
Jeff McNeil gave the Mets some memorable moments over the years. He was an All-Star, a batting champ, and a fan favorite for stretches. But the fit just wasn’t there anymore-on the field or in the clubhouse.
Now, he heads to Sacramento, where the A’s are still in the midst of their own rebuild. For McNeil, it’s a chance at a fresh start. For the Mets, it’s one more step toward reshaping the roster around a younger core and a clubhouse culture that aligns with their long-term vision.