The Athletics are in the market for additions this winter, as they eye an increased payroll from their 2025 mark. While they aren't going to be in play for Kyle Tucker or other top options in free agency or in the trade market, they do plan to add this winter.
One of the positions the Athletics are eyeing to upgrade is second base. While players like Ketel Marte or Bo Bichette would be the best options, neither is a realistic option.
But, as Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic report, the New York Mets have a $50 million infielder who would be a great fit for the Athletics.
Athletics eyeing trade for Mets' $50 million veteran infielder
"In need of a second baseman, they are not considering Bichette or a trade for Arizona's Ketel Marte." Rosenthal and Sammon write. "A deal for someone like Tampa Bay's Brandon Lowe or the New York Mets' Jeff McNeil is perhaps more likely."
Jeff McNeil would be a good option for the Athletics to go after, as he's not only a veteran who could help the young core of players develop, but also increase the A's payroll.
McNeil is in the final year of his $50 million contract, and while he has a club option for 2027 at $15.75 million, the same mark as his 2026 salary, the Athletics don't have to invoke the option to justify a trade.
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Adding the two-time All-Star and former batting champion would be a quality addition to the lineup for the Athletics. He's coming off a down year, where he hit.243 with a.746 OPS, but his 111 OPS+ shows he still can provide positive hitting.
At 33 years old, McNeil would be one of the oldest players on the Athletics roster, but with a need at the position, willingness to spend, and the Mets' willingness to trade McNeil, a trade between the two organizations makes some sense.
This potential trade wouldn't be league-altering, but it's a move that could help both teams with their offseason plans. For the Athletics, adding McNeil would make a lot of sense, as it fills a hole and adds to the team's payroll amid a planned increase in 2026.
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- Athletics trying to trade former Mets, Yankees $67 million starter
- Ex-Cy Young Award winner Sandy Alcantara named a trade target for the Athletics