Ex-Mets Infielder Jeff McNeil Addresses Lindor Argument Incident

McNeil opens up about his departure from the Mets and the on-field dispute with Francisco Lindor.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 5:06pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a baseball game or match between the Mets and Athletics, with the players and field broken down into sharp, overlapping shapes and planes in a cubist style.A cubist interpretation of the on-field rivalry between the Mets and Athletics, capturing the dynamic energy and competitive spirit of their weekend series.West Sacramento Today

After spending eight seasons with the New York Mets, longtime infielder Jeff McNeil was traded to the Oakland Athletics this offseason. McNeil addressed a notable incident in 2025 where he and Mets star Francisco Lindor appeared to get into an argument during a game in Philadelphia. McNeil downplayed the incident, calling Lindor a 'great guy' and 'one of the best shortstops to ever do it'.

Why it matters

The Mets' late-season collapse and failure to make the playoffs in 2025 led to major roster changes, including McNeil's departure. The argument between McNeil and Lindor was seen by some as a sign of clubhouse turmoil that contributed to the team's struggles.

The details

McNeil acknowledged that he and Lindor did have a 'little bit of an argument', but said it was 'no big deal'. McNeil noted that he enjoyed his time playing with Lindor and wished him the best in his career. McNeil also revealed that he spoke with Mets executive David Stearns after the team traded away Brandon Nimmo, and believed he would still be part of the organization in some capacity.

  • The argument between McNeil and Lindor occurred in 2025 during a game in Philadelphia.
  • McNeil was traded from the Mets to the Athletics this offseason.

The players

Jeff McNeil

A longtime infielder who spent eight seasons with the New York Mets before being traded to the Oakland Athletics this offseason.

Francisco Lindor

A star shortstop for the New York Mets who had an on-field argument with McNeil in 2025.

David Stearns

A Mets executive who McNeil spoke with after the team traded away Brandon Nimmo.

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What they’re saying

“[Lindor] is a great guy and a good person, and I enjoyed my time playing with him. I wish him all the best and he's a great baseball player, one of the best shortstops to ever do it, so best of luck to him in the rest of his career.”

— Jeff McNeil, Former Mets Infielder

What’s next

The Mets and Athletics are currently facing off in a three-game weekend series, giving McNeil a chance to reunite with his former team and teammates.

The takeaway

The argument between McNeil and Lindor appears to have been an isolated incident, with McNeil speaking highly of his former teammate. However, the Mets' struggles in 2025 and subsequent roster changes, including McNeil's departure, suggest there may have been deeper issues within the organization that contributed to their late-season collapse.