BREAKING: METS JUST TRADED JEFF MCNEIL.. (the end of an era)

The New York Mets traded veteran infielder/outfielder Jeff McNeil to the Oakland Athletics on December 22, 2025, in exchange for 17-year-old right-handed pitching prospect Yordan Rodriguez (a Cuban signee who posted a 2.93 ERA in rookie ball last year), plus the Mets sending $5.75 million to help offset McNeil's $15.75 million salary for 2026 and agreeing to cover his $2 million buyout if the A's decline his $15.75 million club option for 2027. This move continues the Mets' aggressive offseason overhaul following a disappointing 2025, as they shed longtime players like Brandon Nimmo, Pete Alonso, and Edwin Diaz to create payroll flexibility and prioritize defense/upside elsewhere, potentially opening spots for younger talents or new additions. For the A's, acquiring a two-time All-Star and 2022 batting champ at a reduced cost bolsters their young core (including rookies like Nick Kurtz and Jacob Wilson) with a versatile, contact-oriented veteran at second base, aiding their push to build on a 76-86 record in a transition year to Sacramento 📝