Jeff McNeil Returns to Citi Field for First Time as a Member of the Opposition Jeff McNeil returned to Citi Field on Friday for the first time as a member of the opposition, marking a significant moment in his career as he played for the Oakland A’s against his former team, the New York Mets. The occasion allowed him to address lingering questions about his relationship with former teammate Francisco Lindor, who now plays for the Mets. McNeil dismissed reports of a heated confrontation between the two players, clarifying that their June 20, 2025, incident in Philadelphia was a minor argument rather than a fight. “We just had a little argument. It was no big deal,” he said, emphasizing that the incident had no bearing on the Mets’ decision to trade him in December 2025 for Minor League pitcher Yordan Rodriguez. McNeil also acknowledged that the reported altercation was not the first time he and Lindor had clashed. The two had a separate disagreement early in their 2021 season together with the Mets. Despite these tensions, McNeil expressed admiration for Lindor, calling him “a great guy, a good person” and “one of the best shortstops to ever do it.” He wished Lindor “all the best” in his career, reflecting on the positive memories of their time as teammates. “I enjoyed my time playing with him,” McNeil said, adding that he hoped their paths would cross again in the future. The Mets’ decision to trade McNeil in December 2025 came after a period of significant roster changes. Over three months, the team parted ways with key players including Brandon Nimmo, Pete Alonso, Edwin Díaz, and ultimately McNeil. Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns had previously reached out to McNeil in November 2025, following the trade of Nimmo to the Rangers, to discuss his potential role as an outfielder in 2026.#new_york_mets #francisco_lindor #david_stearns #jeff_mcneil #oakland_ats
Jeff McNeil's Emotional Return to Citi Field Marks a Bittersweet Night for Former Met NEW YORK -- Jeff McNeil’s return to Citi Field on Wednesday carried a weight of nostalgia and emotional resonance, as the former New York Mets star stepped back into the stadium where he spent his entire professional career. The moment was underscored by a deep breath in the batter’s box, a ritual he had perfected over the years, but this time it felt different. “Spent, up to now, my entire career with that team, so it’s pretty special,” McNeil said, his voice tinged with emotion. The 34-year-old outfielder, who turned 34 on Wednesday, admitted to being “a little choked up” as he stood near the dugout, watching a nearly minute-long tribute to his legacy before the first pitch. McNeil’s journey to Citi Field began with his 2013 draft selection by the Mets, a moment that launched his MLB career. Over the years, he became a key player for the franchise, culminating in his 2022 National League batting title, which solidified his status as one of the league’s premier hitters. However, his tenure with the Mets came to an end in December 2023 as part of general manager David Stearns’ offseason overhaul. The trade that sent McNeil to the Oakland Athletics also saw the departure of fellow stars like Brandon Nimmo, Pete Alonso, and Edwin Díaz, marking a significant shift in the team’s roster. The transition was not without its challenges. McNeil reflected on the surreal nature of the offseason, recalling a conversation with a teammate who asked, “Who do you know?” He responded, “Well, I haven’t played with a lot of these guys.” The remark highlighted the unfamiliarity of the A’s roster, which had undergone its own transformation.#new_york_mets #citi_field #david_stearns #oakland_athletics #jeff_mcneil
