Jeff McNeilMy time in the Big Apple has come to an end.
THE Dishes have long floated the former batting champ in trade talks, and on Monday they finally reached an agreement to send him to the A’s with money.
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New York receives potential 17-year-old pitcher Yordán Rodriguez in return.
Even though he apparently no longer had a home in the Big Apple, the A’s believe the veteran McNeil will fit in perfectly with their promising young roster.
“He’s a really good candidate in many ways,” GM said David Forst said Martín Gallegos of MLB.com. “His experience – let’s be honest, we still have a generally young team without a lot of experience, especially on the position player side.
“I think he brings a lot to the table in terms of having played in this big market, playing in the playoffs and just bringing a lot of experience to our clubhouse.”
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This developing core is named AL Rookie of the Year Nick Kurtzthe slap Jacob Wilsonhitter Brent Rookerrecipient Shea Langelierspowerful left-handed Tyler Soderstromand dynamic outfielder Laurent Butler.
The 33-year-old should provide a nice boost to their offense by taking his new approach at the plate in the hitter-friendly confines of Sutter Health Park.
McNeil is currently slotted as the everyday second baseman, but things could always change over the next few months as the organization also values his versatility.
Frost views his skillset as another veteran he had signed in the past.
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“He has so much versatility,” the general manager said. “I see it a bit like when we acquired Ben Zobrist a long time ago – just knowing you have options and can do other things on the list is great.
McNeil, of course, has played every position except pitcher and catcher over the years.
He finished his time with the Mets as a .284 hitter with 80 HR, 367 RBI and a .779 OPS.
