"Mets got rid of a $10,000,000 clubhouse problem" - MLB podcaster gets brutally honest about trading 2x All-Star

The New York Mets continued their offseason roster shake-up on 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 McNeil's clash with 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 will reportedly cover $5.75 million of his 2026 salary. Following 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 from the 2025 season to leave the franchise this offseason after Brandon Nimmo, Edwin Diaz and Pete Alonso.

David Stearns thanked Jeff McNeil for his contributions after Athletics trade

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 acknowledged McNeil's contributions and wished him luck following the trade on Monday.

“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 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.”

It remains to be seen if McNeil's departure will be followed by more additions to the infield, especially with the Mets linked with Ketel Marte over the last few days.

Edited by Chaitanya Prakash