“The Mets got rid of a $10,000,000 clubhouse problem”

The New York Mets continued their offseason roster shakeup Monday as the NL East franchise traded two-time All-Star Jeff McNeil to the Athletics. The Mets received Yordan Rodriguez, a 17-year-old pitching prospect from the Athletics.

The decision to trade the All-Star infielder comes amid reports of a clash between McNeil and Francisco Lindor in the clubhouse last season. According to the New York Post, McNeil and Lindor were involved in a heated confrontation after a game against the Philadelphia Phillies in June.

McNeil is owed $15.75 million for next season and the Mets would cover $5.75 million of his salary for 2026. After his departure, Mets podcaster Tony Metro called the trade a “win” for the NL East franchise.

“The Mets just saved $10 million and got rid of a clubhouse problem by trading Jeff McNeil,” Metro wrote on X. “I’m calling this trade a win.”

McNeil slashed .243/.335/.411 with 12 homers and 54 RBIs for the Mets last season, while covering second base and spending time in the outfield. He became the fourth Mets player of the 2025 season to leave the franchise this offseason after Brandon Nimmo, Edwin Diaz and Pete Alonso.

David Stearns thanked Jeff McNeil for his contribution after the Athletics exchange

Jeff McNeil was selected in the 12th round of the 2013 MLB Draft by the Mets and made his MLB debut in 2018. He earned two All-Star selections with the team in 2019 and 2022, winning the Silver Slugger Award in the latter.

Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns recognized McNeil’s contributions and wished him well after Monday’s trade.

“I want to thank Jeff for his time and contributions to the organization,” David Stearns said in a statement. “He was drafted by the team and has grown in our system. I wish Jeff and his family success and good luck for the future. We are excited to bring Yordan into our system. He is a young right-hander with a promising future.”

It remains to be seen whether McNeil’s departure will be followed by other additions to the infield, particularly with the Mets linked to Ketel Marte in recent days.