A's McNeil Drops F-Bomb on Hot Mic After Strikeout

Former Met's frustration boils over as his new team struggles out of the gate.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 5:33am

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Former New York Mets star Jeff McNeil let out a loud expletive into a hot mic after striking out in the top of the ninth inning during the Oakland Athletics' 5-1 loss to the Atlanta Braves on Wednesday. McNeil, who was traded to the A's in the offseason, has struggled at the plate to start the season, batting just .077 with one hit in 13 at-bats.

Why it matters

McNeil is known for his fiery on-field demeanor, and this latest outburst is just the latest example of his competitive nature boiling over. As the A's try to turn around a slow 1-5 start to the season, McNeil's frustrations could become a distraction if they continue to mount.

The details

With the A's trailing 5-1 in the top of the ninth, McNeil stepped to the plate against Braves closer Raisel Iglesias and struck out, tipping the ball into the glove of catcher Drake Baldwin. McNeil was clearly caught by the broadcast microphones yelling 'F--k!' in the aftermath of the strikeout.

  • The incident occurred in the top of the ninth inning on Wednesday, April 2, 2026.
  • McNeil has struggled at the plate to start the 2026 season, batting .077 with one hit in 13 at-bats through the A's first six games.

The players

Jeff McNeil

A two-time MLB All-Star who was traded from the New York Mets to the Oakland Athletics in the offseason. He is known for his fiery on-field demeanor.

Drake Baldwin

The Atlanta Braves catcher who caught McNeil's tipped foul ball for the strikeout.

Raisel Iglesias

The Atlanta Braves closer who struck out McNeil in the top of the ninth inning.

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What they’re saying

“F--k!”

— Jeff McNeil, Oakland Athletics Second Baseman

What’s next

The Athletics will look to get McNeil and the rest of the team going as they try to turn around their slow start to the 2026 season.

The takeaway

This incident highlights McNeil's competitive fire and the frustrations the Athletics are facing early in the season. As a key offseason acquisition, McNeil's struggles at the plate and outbursts on the field could become a distraction if the team continues to struggle.