Jeff McNeil: News | FanGraphs | Age | ESPN | Twitter | Francisco Lindor

Jeff McNeil’s name has been synonymous with gritty contact hitting, versatile defense, clubhouse personality, and — more recently — major MLB news. In this in-depth profile, we’ll unpack McNeil’s career trajectory, FanGraphs insights, ESPN bio and performance stats, his social media presence, and some of the most talked-about moments involving Francisco Lindor. We’ll also cover recent news from the 2025–26 offseason that could change the trajectory of this former National League batting champion and two-time All-Star. 

1. Early Life and Path to the Majors

Jeffrey Todd McNeil was born on April 8, 1992, in Santa Barbara, California. After a strong amateur career at California State University, Long Beach, McNeil was drafted by the New York Mets in the 12th round of the 2013 MLB Draft. Though a late-round pick, McNeil defied scouting odds with his contact ability, high batting averages, and versatile defensive profile. 

McNeil didn’t make his MLB debut until July 24, 2018 — aged 26 — but when he did, he immediately showed signs of becoming an elite contact hitter. His first major-league hit came on the very first pitch he saw, and he recorded his first home run shortly after. 

Over the following seasons, McNeil carved out a reputation as one of baseball’s best at making contact and putting the ball in play — a skill that helped him quickly rise through the Mets’ lineup and into the All-Star conversation. 

2. Career Highlights

All-Star and Batting Title

McNeil became a staple in New York’s lineup thanks to his ability to hit for average. He’s been named an MLB All-Star twice (2019, 2022), a remarkable achievement for a player drafted so late. He also captured the 2022 National League batting title hitting .326 — a testament to his elite contact skills and consistency at the plate. 

Contract and Longevity

In January 2023, McNeil signed a 4-year, $50 million extension with the Mets that included a club option for 2027. That deal cemented his place in the organization’s plans — at least until the surprising events of the 2025–26 offseason. 

3. Latest News (2025 Offseason)

The most impactful recent development involving Jeff McNeil is a major trade that could reshape his career.

Trade to the Oakland Athletics

In late December 2025, the New York Mets traded Jeff McNeil to the Oakland Athletics in exchange for 17-year-old Cuban pitching prospect Yordan Rodriguez, along with cash considerations. The Mets also agreed to cover a significant portion of McNeil’s $15.75 million salary to facilitate the move. 

This trade is part of a larger Mets offseason overhaul, which has included trading Brandon Nimmo, losing stars like Pete Alonso and Edwin Díaz in free agency, and bolstering the roster with new additions such as Marcus Semien and Jorge Polanco. 

From the Athletics’ point of view, McNeil brings veteran leadership and contact hitting to a young roster, though he’s expected to slot primarily at second base thanks to Oakland’s infield configuration. 

4. FanGraphs Evaluation

While this piece is not pulling direct numeric FanGraphs data, FanGraphs historically evaluates players on advanced metrics such as WAR (Wins Above Replacement), wRC+ (Weighted Runs Created Plus), and defensive value.

McNeil’s profile on FanGraphs highlights his:

• High contact rate

• Above-average on-base skills

• Defensive versatility

• League-average power

In 2022 — his batting title year — he ranked exceptionally high in WAR among middle infielders despite lacking elite power, a rare outcome in the modern offensive environment dominated by home runs and slugging. 

5. ESPN Profile: Stats, Age, and Recent Performance

According to ESPN’s player profile, McNeil is:

• 33 years old (turns 34 in April 2026)

• Listed at 6’0″, 195 lbs

• Bats left, throws right

• Born in Santa Barbara, CA

ESPN also shows his 2025 stats with the Mets: batting .243 with 12 home runs and 54 RBIs, with a .746 OPS over 122 games. 

McNeil’s career totals include:

• .284 batting average

• 80 home runs

• 367 runs batted in across 923 games — solid numbers that illustrate steady production over eight Mets seasons. 

ESPN also provides real-time news on McNeil’s status, including injuries, line-up changes, and on-field events. 

6. Social Media and Twitter Presence

Jeff McNeil’s social media footprint helps fans connect with him off the field:

• On Instagram, he goes by @jeffmcneil805 — sharing personal updates, family moments, and glimpses of life beyond baseball. 

• While McNeil doesn’t have a widely reported Twitter hub like some stars, fan posts, reactions, and highlights involving him circulate widely on Twitter and Reddit whenever he does something newsworthy — from hot streaks to trades.

Although not every player is active on Twitter personally, McNeil’s in-game moments, quirks, and attitude often make him a trending topic among Mets fans and MLB followers alike.

7. Relationship With Francisco Lindor

One of the most talked-about off-field storylines involving Jeff McNeil is his relationship with former Mets teammate Francisco Lindor.

On-Field Tension

According to fan posts and reports, McNeil and Lindor have had heated interactions on the field. In one widely circulated incident from 2025, the two reportedly had a tense confrontation after a defensive lapse. Although the situation didn’t turn physical, it sparked media and fan interest in how their dynamic affected team chemistry. 

Historical Dugout Altercation

Earlier in their careers, McNeil and Lindor were also involved in an infamous incident where Lindor reportedly grabbed McNeil by the throat following an argument. Despite the dramatic description, players later downplayed it, joking it was about whether an animal they saw was a rat or a raccoon. 

These episodes have become part of McNeil lore — illustrating that while he brings fiery competitiveness to the field, it hasn’t always meshed seamlessly with every teammate.

8. Playing Style and Strengths

Unlike many modern sluggers focused on power, McNeil’s approach can be described as old-school contact hitting:

• Exceptional bat-to-ball skills

• Low strikeout rates

• Above-average OBP through consistent contact

However, McNeil is not a traditional power hitter. Even during his 2022 batting title season, he posted just nine home runs, making him one of the rare batting champions with modest slugging numbers. 

His versatility is another big part of his value — McNeil has played multiple positions in the infield and occasional outfield, making him a valuable depth piece for any roster. 

9. Career Challenges and Criticism

Not all fan reactions to McNeil have been glowing. Over the years, portions of the fan base and analysts have criticized inconsistent offensive production, perceived lineup misuses, and erratic performance fluctuations. Several fan threads have showcased frustration, especially in seasons where he posted below-average offensive metrics or “soft” contact. 

These criticisms, while vocal, illustrate the polarizing nature of McNeil’s play: high contact, low home runs, and unpredictable year-to-year performance.

10. What’s Next for Jeff McNeil?

As of late December 2025, McNeil’s career faces a turning point:

Oakland Athletics Era

McNeil heads to the Oakland Athletics after eight seasons with the Mets. The A’s believe his veteran presence and contact approach can help stabilize a young lineup, and McNeil will likely play a key role at second base and in the batting order. 

Future Outlook

At 34 and with a proven track record, McNeil still has value — especially in the American League West, where his contact skills could be a mismatch advantage. His versatility also adds roster flexibility, something that young Athletic managers love.

Fans and analysts will watch closely to see if McNeil can regain consistency like his peak 2022 form or continue the roller-coaster pattern seen over his past few seasons.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q1: How old is Jeff McNeil?

Jeff McNeil was born on April 8, 1992, making him 33 years old during the 2025 season. 

Q2: What teams has Jeff McNeil played for?

McNeil spent his first eight MLB seasons with the New York Mets before being traded to the Oakland Athletics in December 2025. 

Q3: What are Jeff McNeil’s career highlights?

McNeil is a two-time All-Star (2019, 2022) and won the 2022 National League batting title. 

Q4: Has Jeff McNeil ever won major awards?

Yes — McNeil won the National League batting title in 2022 and has also been recognized with All-Star and Silver Slugger honors in his career. 

Q5: Did Jeff McNeil really have drama with Francisco Lindor?

There are reports and fan discussions about heated confrontations between McNeil and Francisco Lindor, including an on-field argument and past dugout altercation. 

Q6: Where can I find official stats and news about Jeff McNeil?

Official stats and news can be accessed via ESPN’s player profile, MLB official stats pages, and FanGraphs for advanced metrics.