The Mets lost their fourth long-tenured player off the offseason on Monday, when they traded Jeff McNeil to the Athletics for just a single pitching prospect in return. They also sent $5.75 million to cover about a third of what he's owed for 2026, along with $2 million for the buyout if the A's decline his 2027 club option.
The Tigers should've been in on this. McNeil is a true do-it-all utility man who spent some time at every position on the field except catcher and third base in 2025, which would've fit perfectly into Detroit's affinity toward versatile defensive players they can mix-and-match.