Athletics Acquire Jeff McNeil: A Game-Changer for the Infield
The Oakland Athletics have made a significant move this offseason, securing veteran infielder Jeff McNeil from the New York Mets in a trade that also brings nearly $6 million in cash to the A’s. This acquisition not only upgrades the infield but also injects a crucial left-handed bat into the lineup, addressing a pressing need for the team.
Boosting the Infield
The A’s have long sought improvements at either second or third base, with second base proving to be particularly unproductive last season. McNeil, who will celebrate his 34th birthday in April, offers a balanced combination of offensive capabilities and defensive prowess. His arrival is expected to stabilize the infield, providing an average veteran bat complemented by above-average defensive skills. Given the hitter-friendly environment of Sutter Health Park, there’s ample opportunity for McNeil to elevate his performance.
Lefty Bat Addition
One of the understated benefits of McNeil’s addition is his left-handed batting ability, filling a gap that the A’s quietly needed. Previously, the roster included only Nick Kurtz, Tyler Soderstrom, and Lawrence Butler as guaranteed lefty bats, with Carlos Cortes likely to join the mix, but not guaranteed. McNeil’s presence brings a much-needed fourth lefty option, enhancing the lineup’s versatility.
Contact Hitting Duo
Last season, McNeil boasted impressive numbers, ranking in the 94th percentile for strikeout rate (11.9%) and the 76th percentile for walk rate (10.6%). His new teammate, shortstop Jacob Wilson, excelled even further with a strikeout rate in the 99th percentile at just 7.5%. Together, they form a dynamic duo of contact hitters that manager Mark Kotsay can strategically deploy throughout the lineup. Whether hitting at the top to get on base for power hitters or further down to drive them in, McNeil and Wilson will provide Kotsay with numerous lineup options.
Defensive Upgrade
Defensively, McNeil’s impact cannot be overstated. The A’s ranked among the league’s worst in defensive metrics last season, and McNeil’s addition is poised to enhance their performance, particularly up the middle. With a career Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) of +10 and an Outs Above Average (OAA) of +18 at second base, he is a valuable asset. While McNeil is expected to primarily play at second, his versatility allows for movement around the diamond, making him an adaptable solution as young talents like Zack Gelof and Leo De Vries develop.
Potential for Power
Playing in Sacramento’s hitter-friendly environment typically benefits players, and McNeil is no exception. Last season, he hit 12 home runs, but statistical projections suggest that had he played all his games in Sacramento, he could have increased that number to 16 based on his launch angles. He also would have maintained solid home run totals across various AL West ballparks, indicating his potential for further offensive production.
Looking Ahead
With the addition of McNeil and the continued development of their younger players, the A’s are positioning themselves to be one of the more formidable offensive units in baseball. They ranked as the No. 10 offense according to weighted Runs Created Plus (wRC+) last season, and McNeil’s arrival strengthens their weakest offensive position. However, to complement this offensive resurgence, the A’s must also focus on their pitching staff, aiming to acquire a dependable starting pitcher capable of providing consistent innings as the offseason progresses. The mid-tier starting pitching market remains stagnant, but opportunities will arise, and the A’s must be prepared to act swiftly when they do.
