Former New York Mets infielder Jeff McNeil, a two-time All-Star, has received a discouraging contract update from his new team, the Oakland Athletics. The Athletics declined to pick up the $15.75 million club option for McNeil for the 2027 season, opting instead to pay the $2 million buyout. This decision effectively makes McNeil, 34, a free agent. The Mets, who traded McNeil to the A’s last December as part of a roster overhaul, have agreed to cover this buyout amount under the terms of the trade.

McNeil’s first season with the Athletics was underwhelming compared to his previous peak performance in New York. Over 144 games, he posted a .264 batting average with nine home runs and 59 RBIs, far below the numbers that earned him a National League batting title in 2022. Despite some late-season improvement when he hit .310 in the second half, the overall output was not enough to justify the Athletics’ investment in him for 2027.

The departure of McNeil highlights the difficulties faced by the Mets after their aggressive roster changes last offseason. The team moved on from several established players but failed to achieve the expected results, prompting reconsideration of their strategy. For the Mets, McNeil’s exit closes another chapter in a period marked by significant turnover and unmet expectations.

Now a free agent, Jeff McNeil will look for opportunities with other teams to revive his career. His time with the Athletics was brief and disappointing, but his prior success with the Mets—where he was a consistent offensive contributor and an All-Star—affirms his value as a player. The upcoming offseason will be crucial for McNeil as he seeks to reestablish himself in Major League Baseball.