Jeff McNeil Returns to Citi Field with Athletics

Former Mets star reflects on memories, no beef with Lindor, and fan love

Apr. 11, 2026 at 6:13am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a baseball game between the Mets and Athletics, with the players and field broken down into sharp, overlapping shapes and planes, conveying the complex emotions of a homecoming for a former star player.A cubist interpretation of the emotional reunion between former Mets star Jeff McNeil and his old teammates as he returns to Citi Field with the Athletics.Oakland Today

Jeff McNeil, a longtime Mets player, recently returned to Citi Field as a member of the Oakland Athletics. In a candid interview, McNeil addressed rumors of a rift with former teammate Francisco Lindor, stating they had a minor argument but no big deal. McNeil expressed gratitude for his 12 years with the Mets organization and the support of the team's fans, despite being traded.

Why it matters

McNeil's return to Citi Field as an opposing player highlights the transient nature of professional sports, where even beloved players can find themselves on new teams. His ability to move forward and maintain positive relationships with former teammates and the fanbase demonstrates his maturity and leadership qualities.

The details

After spending 12 years in the Mets organization, including 7 seasons in the major leagues, McNeil was traded to the Oakland Athletics in the offseason. Despite rumors of a rift with former teammate Francisco Lindor, McNeil downplayed the incident, stating they had a minor argument but no big deal. McNeil expressed gratitude for his time with the Mets, saying he felt he gave so much to the organization and hopes the fans appreciate his hard work and dedication.

  • McNeil was drafted by the Mets in 2013.
  • McNeil played for the Mets in the major leagues for 7 seasons.
  • McNeil was traded to the Oakland Athletics in the offseason.

The players

Jeff McNeil

A former second baseman for the New York Mets, who was recently traded to the Oakland Athletics.

Francisco Lindor

A shortstop for the New York Mets and former teammate of Jeff McNeil.

David

The general manager of the New York Mets, who made the decision to trade Jeff McNeil.

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What they’re saying

“No, no, we didn't get into a fight. We just had a little argument. It was no big deal.”

— Jeff McNeil, Second Baseman

“I felt like we had a pretty good team. We were one win away from being in the postseason last year, and that was tough. But it's business. David's over there trying to put the best team on the field as possible, and that's what he saw fit.”

— Jeff McNeil, Second Baseman

“I feel like I've given so much to this organization. I got drafted in 2013. I was here for 12 years, in the big leagues for seven. So I hope the fans appreciate that. I played hard and enjoyed my time here.”

— Jeff McNeil, Second Baseman

What’s next

McNeil and the Athletics will face the Mets in a three-game series at Citi Field starting on April 15th.

The takeaway

Jeff McNeil's return to Citi Field as a member of the Oakland Athletics serves as a reminder that in the ever-evolving world of professional sports, change is inevitable. McNeil's ability to maintain positive relationships with former teammates and the fanbase, despite the transition, demonstrates his maturity and leadership qualities, which will be valuable assets as he embarks on a new chapter with the Athletics.