Athletics add another piece to impressive lineup with Jeff McNeil acquisition

The Athletics have quietly built an impressive lineup in Sacramento. They added another interesting piece to the puzzle on Monday.

ESPN's Jeff Passan reported that the A's acquired utility man Jeff McNeil from the Mets. Pitching prospect Yordan Rodriguez is heading to New York in return. The Mets are also sending $5.75M to cover a portion of McNeil's $15.75M salary this season and would pay the $2M buyout of his 2026 team option if the A's decline to pick it up.

McNeil won the National League batting title in 2022, posting a .326/.382/.454 batting line with 39 doubles over his 589 plate appearances. That production led to a four-year, $50M extension heading into the 2023 season. McNeil's production has fallen off since as he has posted a .253/.326/.389 batting line with 34 homers and 72 doubles in his 1,582 plate appearances since the start of 2023.

Jeff McNeil could be important part of Athletics lineup

The A's had reportedly been looking to upgrade their lineup at second and third during the offseason. Infielder Zack Gelof had been unable to build on an impressive rookie season in 2023 and underwent surgery after dislocating his left shoulder late in the 2025 campaign. Likewise, the A's myriad of third basemen did not provide significant power, hitting a combined 10 homers to rank 28th in the majors.

McNeil can be a part of the solution at second while potentially backing up all three outfield positions. He provides a solid veteran bat to a talented, but young, lineup featuring first baseman Nick Kurtz and catcher Shea Langeliers. If McNeil can have a renaissance in the launching pad known as Sutter Health Park, he could be a valuable option atop the lineup.

McNeil also provides the A's with protection as they look to the future. Infielder Leodalis De Vries was promoted to Double-A as an 18-year-old and held his own at the level. As he is also a shortstop, either he or Jacob Wilson will likely shift positions. McNeil could potentially serve as a bridge at second until De Vries is ready for his major league debut. Likewise, McNeil is a solid insurance policy if Gelof continues to struggle going forward.