Jeff McNeil did not expect this. The conversations he had with the New York Mets over the offseason gave him zero indication that a trade was on the horizon — or perhaps even in the works.
Jeff McNeil Gets Candid on Mets Trade Before Citi Field Return
It was a normal offseason for McNeil. He has already been well integrated and has established himself as a core member of the Mets for the past seven years. During which he won the National League Batting Title and was named an All-Star twice.
The Mets had talked to McNeil about where he would play on the field, how the team could shape up, and possibly some goals they had set forth for him.
The thing was, if you were a part of the Mets’ core in 2025, you were either not getting re-signed or you would get dealt. McNeil, who signed a four-year, $50 million deal with the Mets back in 2023, would get the latter.
McNeil’s departure to the Athletics would only be a small piece of the president of baseball operations, David Stearns’ puzzle. McNeil was a part of a core that included franchise home run leader Pete Alonso, star closer Edwin Diaz, Brandon Nimmo, and McNeil.
With the Mets, McNeil provided versatility and was an above-average bat. The veteran logged 874 games across eight total seasons. Playing at least one game at every position except catcher, mostly appearing at second base and left field.
The former batting champ slashed .284/.351/.428, with 80 home runs, and 367 RBIs. Posting a 22.9 WAR across 923 games.
What Led to the Trade
After signing superstar Juan Soto to a historical 15-year, $765 million pact ahead of the 2025 season, the Mets had, understandably so, extremely high expectations. So when the Mets missed the postseason by just a single game after slowly collapsing in the second half, many changes were going to be made.
Owner Steve Cohen gave free rein to Stearns. How the Mets looked in 2026, good or bad, would fall under his responsibility.
So he took full control. Building a roster that resembled his guys, which did not include the core group.
To push the trade over the top, the Mets agreed to pay the A’s $5.7 million to help cover his $15.7 million salary for 2026. Additionally, the Mets had to agree to cover a $2 million buyout for McNeil’s 2027 club option if the A’s do not exercise it.
Three Months Later
Three months later, the 34-year-old says he doesn’t take the trade personally.
“That’s not a decision I’m able to make. .. But it’s a business, and David [Stearns] is over there trying to put the best team on the field as possible, and that’s what he seemed fit,” McNeil said on Friday before his first game against his former team.
McNeil’s offseason took a turn when he got a call from Stearns informing him of the news.
“It’s been crazy,” McNeil admitted to SNY’s Niki Lattarulo at Yankee Stadium. “Spending seven years with the Mets, I’ve enjoyed my time over there. Nothing but great things to say about them.”
Though his name has been rumored in trades all offseason — mainly because of clubhouse issues — the trade still came as a surprise to McNeil.
“I was sitting at home when [Stearns] traded Nimmo, and he did give me a call right after letting me know what was going on, and he actually thought I was going to be part of the team,” McNeil said. “He said he had some visions for me playing outfield, especially with [Marcus] Semien coming in. He never gave me any heads up that I was on the trade block.
“So I thought there was a good possibility that I was going to come back and play outfield for the Mets. It was a little surprising when the trade happened.”
On Friday, McNeil will return to Citi Field for the first time since the trade. Intending to catch up with his old buddies — only this time in a different jersey.
“[I’m] looking forward to getting over there and seeing everyone. I still stay in contact with them.”
Main Photo Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
