NY Mets finally trade their most obvious trade candidate

The dismantling of the New York Mets roster continued with what some fans will view as an early Christmas present. Jeff McNeil and some cash are being sent to the Athletics for minor league pitcher Yordan Rodriguez.

The most obvious trade candidate on the Mets roster this offseason has finally found a taker. 

The Mets traded a once beloved and popular player who wore out his welcome

After trading Brandon Nimmo and letting Pete Alonso walk away, it was a must for the Mets to find a team to take on McNeil. The Athletics aren’t usually the first we think of to make a trade with. Usually cash-strapped and lately uncompetitive enough to make enough noise, the Athletics have quietly been spending money over the last two years. They signed Luis Severino last offseason. This winter hasn’t included as big of splashes, but something as slight as paying Mark Leiter Jr. shows a willingness to try.

McNeil’s versatility will give the Athletics several ways to use him with second base being the most obvious spot on the field. Luis Urias is no longer on the team and their projected starter, Zack Geloff, hit .174 last season.

Now headed to his home state of California, McNeil seems likely to play out the year in Sacramento and bolster his numbers in a minor league ballpark before diving head first into free agency when the New York Yankees will surely look to sign him because, what else do they do these days but add ex-Mets?

The Mets will save themselves $10 million in 2025 with the deal while paying down $5.75 million owed to McNeil. The added payroll flexiblity as well as the open roster spot should help them go on the attack further as they look to overhaul their roster further before the start of the 2026 season.