The Athletics aren't going to be the biggest spenders this offseason, but they can still look to add some talent to improve the roster as a whole.
Adding a starting pitcher would be one such move, but as the Athletics have yet to pounce on the starting pitching market, they have swung a trade to help their infield.
The A's traded with the New York Mets for versatile infielder Jeff McNeil. It was a quality trade for the Athletics, and for ESPN's Bradford Doolittle, this trade was a nice "floor-raiser" trade for the A's this winter.
Athletics swing 'floor-raiser' trade with Mets for Jeff McNeil
"McNeil, who turns 34 early next season, is more a floor-raiser than an impact player these days," Doolittle writes, "an aging hitter who has been a hairbreadth better than league average over the past three seasons."
While the McNeil addition won't be season-altering for the A's, it's a quality move that should be looked at as more than just his on-field production.
If he can help mentor the young Athletics roster, especially the infielders he'll play alongside, then the trade for McNeil will be more than worth it for the Athletics.
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The 34-year-old infielder can play multiple spots and will most likely fill in at second base for the Athletics this upcoming season, with Nick Kurtz at first, Jacob Wilson at shortstop, and Max Muncy at third base.
McNeil is a floor-raiser and will help the team stabilize as they deal with a lot of young talent on the roster. Plus, McNeil provides decent hitting, a.746 OPS in 2025, and he's also an overall quality fielder.
The Athletics taking advantage of the Mets in this trade is what led Doolittle to hand the A's a "B-" grade for this deal. They land a quality infielder, without the financial issues, and also improve the leadership for their young core in one fell swoop.
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