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Oakland A’s should consider acquiring Jeff McNeil

By David Hill

Sep 19, 2021; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets left fielder Jeff McNeil (6) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the seventh inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2021; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets left fielder Jeff McNeil (6) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the seventh inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Oakland A’s were already facing a problem even before they had discussed potentially tearing their roster apart. Second base was going to be a possible black hole, especially as Tony Kemp is likely to be needed in a variety of roles. Fortunately for the A’s, a trade candidate has emerged with New York Mets second baseman Jeff McNeil.

McNeil is a player seemingly without a position in New York. With Robinson Cano coming back to play second, and Eduardo Escobar as the likely third baseman at this point, McNeil is expected to be on the trade block once transactions are permitted again.

Jeff McNeil could be worthwhile target for Oakland A’s

The Mets have a specific reasoning behind putting McNeil on the block. They are looking to add more arms to their rotation, especially after Noah Syndergaard and Marcus Stroman departed for greener pastures and larger bank accounts. Yes, adding Max Scherzer solves a lot of problems, but the Mets still need a lot more in the rotation than just two arms.

Enter the A’s. If Oakland does want to blow up their core, the A’s have plenty of arms that could be available. Sean Manaea, Chris Bassitt, and Frankie Montas are all pitchers that could generate a significant return if they end up on the trade block.

It is entirely possible that any of those three arms would interest the Mets. McNeil, even though he has three years of team control left and is in the midst of his hypothetical prime, would not be enough to pry any of those arms from Oakland. However, he could be a nice piece in any possible return, giving the A’s an answer at second for the next few years, or another possible trade chip if he can rebound from a disappointing 2021 campaign.

Next. A hypothetical trade for Frankie Montas. dark

The New York Mets may be looking to trade Jeff McNeil for pitching. If that is the case, the Oakland A’s should get on the phone and make a deal.