The A’s have been busy, not flashy, not loud, but certainly deliberate, in shaping a roster that looks far more formidable than its past iterations. On Monday, they took another calculated step forward, acquiring 2022 NL batting champion Jeff McNeil from the New York Mets in exchange for pitching prospect Yordan Rodriguez. As reported by ESPN, the Mets are covering a sizable portion of McNeil’s remaining salary, a financial cushion that underscores both the Mets’ desire to move on and the A’s opportunistic front office.
The A’s Gamble on a Former Batting Champ
It’s a fascinating move for several reasons. First, McNeil’s pedigree is undeniable. His 2022 campaign was elite, a .326 average, 39 doubles, and the kind of consistent contact that’s increasingly rare in today’s game. That performance earned him a four-year, $50 million extension, but the seasons since have been underwhelming. While McNeil hasn’t fallen off a cliff, his .253/.326/.389 line since 2023 suggests a player caught somewhere between regression and recalibration.
Still, for a team like the A’s, now building around a new home in Sacramento, McNeil represents more than just numbers. He’s a veteran presence who brings positional versatility, above-average bat control, and postseason experience. At worst, he’s a competent second baseman who can provide stability while others develop. At best, he rediscovers his stroke in the hitter-friendly confines of Sutter Health Park and becomes a critical piece at the top of a young, energetic lineup.
Plugging the Gaps While the Prospects Rise
The A’s are betting on upside here. Zack Gelof, one of the team’s emerging stars, had his 2025 season derailed by a shoulder injury, and the depth chart behind him is paper-thin. At third base, the A’s lacked both power and production. McNeil doesn’t fix that, but he shores up the middle infield while allowing the club flexibility as Leodalis De Vries and Jacob Wilson continue their ascent through the minors. With De Vries showing advanced skills for an 18-year-old at Double-A, McNeil becomes not only a plug-in piece but a bridge to the future.
Sacramento’s Lineup Quietly Takes Shape
This trade fits a broader pattern of low-key but impactful decisions by the A’s front office. With emerging bats like Nick Kurtz at first base and Shea Langeliers behind the plate, the foundation is there. McNeil’s addition doesn’t just add depth, it adds competence and credibility to a lineup that’s steadily gaining traction. If the veteran finds his form again, Sacramento might have itself a genuine top-of-the-order threat. Either way, the message is clear: the A’s aren’t just passing through Sacramento — they’re building something that might just stick.
