The Athletics got busy this offseason by trading with the New York Mets for veteran infielder Jeff McNeil. He'll join a solid infield with the Athletics and play second base next to Jacob Wilson and Nick Kurtz.
To acquire McNeil, who is owed $15.75 million in 2026 and is under contract for an extra season with a $2 million buyout, the Athletics gave up just one prospect.
According to ESPN's Jeff Passan, the return for McNeil is just one minor leaguer. On his way to New York is a Cuban right-hander who's just 17 years old, Yordan Rodriguez.
A's trade for Jeff McNeil, cash in exchange for 17-year-old righty pitcher
"Full trade, per ESPN sources: A's receiver: Jeff McNeil and $5.75 million (to help cover his $15.75 million salary; the Mets also would pay his $2 million buyout if his option isn't exercised). Mets receive: RHP Yordan Rodriguez."
Rodriguez is a right-hander who was born in 2008 and has pitched just one year with the Athletics so far in his professional career.
During the 2025 season, Rodriguez had a 2.93 ERA across 15.1 innings pitched for the DSL Athletics. He struck out 20 batters, walking just eight, in his appearances for the A's in rookie ball this past season.
Signed to a minor league contract on January 15th in 2025, Rodriguez spent just one year within the A's organization. He's now on his way to the Mets as the A's acquire a new second baseman in McNeil.
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This trade for the Athletics will provide a quality veteran presence in the infield alongside young superstars Kurtz and Wilson.
The Athletics have a solid lineup and fielding group now, and while they could look to add more help this offseason, the A's likely will stick with this infield setup.
It's an interesting return for the Mets, as Rodriguez is incredibly young but has shown promise. The 17-year-old righty could become an interesting player to keep in mind as he develops for the Mets.
McNeil has been an eight-year mainstay of the Mets roster, and now, he's heading out West to join the Athletics for at least the 2026 season. And if the A's want to move on, the Mets will pick up the $2 million buyout after the 2026 season.
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