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The Mets have subtracted a fourth member from their core.
Jeff McNeil, who became expendable following the arrival of Marcus Semien last month, was traded to the Athletics Monday for a minor league pitching prospect, according to an industry source. The Mets are also sending cash to help offset the $15.75 million that McNeil is owed for next season. The A’s are receiving $5.75 million, according to a source. McNeil’s contract also contains a team option for 2027 with a $2 million buyout.
In return, the Mets received Yordan Rodriguez, a 17-year-old fireballer who appeared in eight games last season at the Rookie-ball level and posted a 2.93 ERA.
McNeil’s days in Queens appeared numbered after the Mets acquired Semien in the trade that sent Brandon Nimmo to Texas in November.
“I want to thank Jeff for his time and contributions to the organization,” Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns said in a statement. “He was drafted by the team and grew up in our system. I wish Jeff and his family success and good luck going forward. We are excited to bring Yordan into our system. He is a young right-hander with a promising future.”
In addition to McNeil and Nimmo, the Mets have moved on from Pete Alonso and Edwin Díaz this offseason. Alonso signed a five-year deal worth $155 million with the Orioles two weeks ago. Díaz received a three-year deal with the Dodgers worth $69 million.
McNeil’s departure solves a potential clubhouse issue: The Post reported last month that McNeil and Francisco Lindor had a heated confrontation last season following a defensive breakdown in a game against the Phillies June 20. The two also feuded in 2021, leading to a physical altercation during which Lindor grabbed McNeil by the throat.
McNeil produced a .243/.335/.411 slash line with 12 homers and 54 RBIs last season, moving between second base and the outfield. Stearns had previously indicated that McNeil would also potentially see action at first base next season with the Mets. The veteran utilityman is coming off surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome, but the procedure is not expected to hinder him heading into spring training.
The makeover follows a Mets nosedive that prevented the team from reaching the postseason, despite a $341 million payroll.
Stearns has spoken about the team’s need to improve defensively, and Semien — who won a Gold Glove last season at second base — should help in that area.
The Mets also signed Jorge Polanco to a two-year contract worth $40 million to provide the team with a bat following Alonso’s departure. Polanco is expected to receive a significant amount of action at first base, but has appeared only once at the position in the major leagues.
On the pitching front the Mets have added relievers Devin Williams (three years, $51 million) and Luke Weaver (two years, $22 million) to a bullpen that will have a different look following Díaz’s departure.
In addition to an outfield vacancy following Nimmo’s trade, the Mets could also look to upgrade a rotation that has plenty of arms, but questions about the front end following struggles by Kodai Senga and Sean Manaea last season. Other starting rotation pieces include Nolan McLean, Brandon Sproat, Jonah Tong and Christian Scott, in addition to veterans Clay Holmes and David Peterson.