The Athletics Are a Perfect Fit for This New York Mets Infielder

Exploring Trade Possibilities: The Oakland Athletics’ Strategy

In recent news, the Oakland Athletics have shown interest in acquiring veteran infielder Jeff McNeil from the New York Mets. This potential trade could significantly impact the A’s lineup and second base position for the upcoming 2026 season. With McNeil heading into his final year of a contract with the Mets, he is due $15.75 million, making him an intriguing prospect for any team looking to bolster their roster.

McNeil’s Experience and Value

Jeff McNeil, who has spent all eight seasons with the Mets, brings a wealth of experience to the table. His upcoming age-34 season marks his final year under his current contract. Despite a seemingly mediocre performance in 2025, playing through an injury in September significantly affected his stats.

However, pre-All-Star break statistics show McNeil batting .253 with an impressive .806 OPS. In August, he even improved to a .276 batting average.

Notably, McNeil finished the season with a strikeout rate that placed him in the 94th percentile, indicating his exceptional bat-to-ball skills and ability to reach base consistently. His defensive capabilities are also noteworthy; despite being 33 years old, he still boasts good range on the field, making him a solid option for the A’s second base position.

The Oakland Athletics’ Trade Strategy

With limited options in free agency and top prospect Leo De Vries set to debut soon, the A’s are exploring various avenues to strengthen their infield. The team is willing to spend money on a second baseman, which could make a trade for McNeil more feasible. The Kim deal offered by the A’s had an Average Annual Value (AAV) of $12 million, indicating that they were already in McNeil’s range in terms of financial flexibility.

Given that the A’s are committed to spending on this position and willing to take a large chunk of McNeil’s salary, they could potentially land something valuable alongside him. For instance, trading for McNeil might allow the A’s to pick up a mid-tier farmhand from the Mets’ system, which would bolster their pitching depth.

Options within the Oakland Athletics

If the A’s decide not to pursue a trade with the Mets, they still have in-house options available. Zack Gelof is likely to miss some time at the beginning of the season, while Darell Hernaiz, Max Muncy, and Brett Harris remain as potential second base options. While McNeil wouldn’t fill any long-term role with the A’s, he could hold down the position for 2026 until one of their young infielders is ready to take over.

Considering all these factors, trading for Jeff McNeil might be the best fit for the Oakland Athletics in the current market conditions. This move would provide immediate value and flexibility while allowing the team to focus on developing its younger prospects for the future.