The New York Mets are preparing to open a new series against the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field on Friday night, looking to build momentum after a narrow 5-4 win over the St. Louis Cardinals. However, attention around the organization has also turned toward one of their former standout players who is now struggling significantly with his new team.
Jeff McNeil, a former Mets All-Star and long-time contributor in New York, has had a difficult start to life with the Athletics following his offseason trade. Through 63 games this season, the 34-year-old is batting just .232, with 47 hits, two home runs, 15 RBIs, 15 runs scored, and only one stolen base. His production has fallen well short of his peak years in Queens, raising questions about whether the change of scenery has worked in his favor.
McNeil was dealt away in a December 2025 trade that sent him and cash considerations to Oakland, while the Mets received right-handed pitcher Yordan Rodríguez in return. According to ESPN insider Jeff Passan, the deal also included financial adjustments to help cover McNeil’s salary, signaling that New York was ready to move in a different direction despite his established track record.
During his eight seasons with the Mets, McNeil built a strong reputation as a versatile and consistent hitter. He was drafted in the 12th round of the 2013 MLB Draft and eventually became a key part of the Mets’ lineup, earning two All-Star selections in 2019 and 2022. His best season came in 2022 when he posted a .326 batting average with 174 hits over 148 games, showcasing his ability to be one of the most reliable contact hitters in the league.
However, his production had already begun to decline before the trade, as he finished his final Mets season batting .243 with 12 home runs, 54 RBIs, and 97 hits in 122 games. While still serviceable, the drop-off in consistency contributed to New York’s decision to move on.
Ironically, the move appears to have benefited the Mets so far. New York has endured a challenging 2026 campaign, sitting at the bottom of the National League East with a 30-38 record through 68 games. They have shown mixed form recently, going 5-5 over their last ten games, but remain below .500 overall despite a slightly better performance at home.
Meanwhile, McNeil’s current team, the Athletics, are also hovering below expectations at 33-35 and sit third in the American League West. Like the Mets, they have been inconsistent, splitting their last ten games at 5-5.
As both clubs continue to search for stability this season, McNeil’s struggles in Oakland stand out as one of the more notable storylines from the Mets’ recent roster changes.
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