Jeff McNeil -- General News

Jeff McNeil made his first return to Citi Field as an opposing player on Friday, when his Oakland A's team defeated the Mets 4-0. McNeil addressed reported tensions with Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor, clarifying that a June incident in Philadelphia was merely "a little argument" and characterizing Lindor as "a great guy" and one of the best shortstops ever. McNeil stated the incident had no bearing on the Mets' decision to trade him in December for Minor League pitcher Yordan Rodriguez.

McNeil reflected positively on his tenure with the Mets, noting he was surprised by the trade despite being mentioned in trade rumors throughout his time there. Mets president David Stearns had indicated after the Brandon Nimmo trade in November that he wanted McNeil to play outfield in 2026, a plan that ultimately changed. Over three months, the Mets dismantled their longtime core by trading McNeil, Nimmo, Pete Alonso, and Edwin Díaz, leaving Lindor as the organization's longest-tenured position player.

McNeil's return was warmly received by Citi Field fans, who presented him with a tribute video and gave him an extended standing ovation before his first at-bat, an acknowledgment that visibly moved him. He contributed meaningfully to the A's victory with two hits, including an RBI single in the ninth inning.

The Athletics defeated the Mets 4-0 on Friday night at Citi Field, with Jeff McNeil recording two hits in his first game back at the stadium where he spent his first eight MLB seasons before being traded to Oakland in December. McNeil doubled in the fourth inning and made a defensive play at second base to end the fifth. The A's scored three runs in the ninth inning, with Shea Langeliers contributing an RBI single in the third and Denzel Clarke adding a two-run single in the ninth.

The Athletics' pitching staff dominated, extending their scoreless streak to 26 innings across recent games against the Mets and Yankees dating to Tuesday. Mets starter Clay Holmes left the game after 5 1/3 innings due to left hamstring tightness. Oakland used five pitchers to complete the shutout, with J.T. Ginn allowing just one hit over four innings in his first start of the season and Jack Perkins (1-0) pitching 2 1/3 scoreless relief innings.

The Mets have now scored only three runs while managing 20 hits during their three-game losing streak. Jacob Lopez (0-1, 6.48 ERA) will start for the Athletics on Saturday against Mets RHP Kodai Senga (0-1, 3.09 ERA).

Jeff McNeil returned to Citi Field on Friday night for the first time since being traded from the Mets to the Athletics during the offseason. The return was marked by an emotional reception, with Citi Field fans presenting McNeil with a video tribute and a standing ovation before his first at-bat. McNeil responded to the homecoming with a solid performance, going 2 for 4 at the plate. His most impactful contribution came in the ninth inning when he delivered an RBI single. The Athletics defeated their opponent 4-0 in the contest.

Jeff McNeil returned to Citi Field on Friday night for the first time as an opposing player following his offseason trade from the New York Mets to the Oakland Athletics. The 34-year-old received a video tribute and standing ovation before his first at-bat, an emotional moment that left him visibly affected. He proceeded to go 2-for-4, including a double in the fourth inning, a defensive highlight robbing rookie Carson Benge of a hit in the fifth, and a crucial RBI single in the ninth inning.

McNeil, drafted by the Mets in 2013 and the 2022 NL batting champion, was traded to Oakland as part of general manager David Stearns' significant offseason overhaul that also included trading Brandon Nimmo and losing Pete Alonso and Edwin Díaz to free agency. The Athletics won 4-0, becoming the first team to shut out both the Yankees and Mets on consecutive days. McNeil described the experience as "super special" and acknowledged the difficulty of his emotional first at-bat, noting relief once it was completed so he could "go play baseball."