McNeil emotional after 'special' Mets homecoming

Former Mets star reflects on return to Citi Field after offseason trade

Apr. 11, 2026 at 6:34am

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Jeff McNeil, a former star player for the New York Mets, made an emotional return to Citi Field on Tuesday night as his new team, the Oakland Athletics, visited the Mets. McNeil spent the first seven seasons of his MLB career with the Mets before being traded to the Athletics this past offseason.

Why it matters

McNeil was a fan favorite during his time with the Mets, making the All-Star team twice and helping the team reach the playoffs in 2022 and 2023. His return to Citi Field is a bittersweet moment for both McNeil and Mets fans, as he was a key part of the team's recent success.

The details

Prior to the game, McNeil took some time to greet former teammates and coaches, and he received a warm ovation from the Citi Field crowd when he was announced as part of the Athletics' starting lineup. During the game, McNeil went 1-for-4 with a double and an RBI as the Athletics defeated the Mets 5-3.

  • The game took place on Tuesday, April 11, 2026.

The players

Jeff McNeil

A former All-Star infielder who spent the first seven seasons of his MLB career with the New York Mets before being traded to the Oakland Athletics this past offseason.

New York Mets

A professional baseball team based in New York City that competes in Major League Baseball's National League East division.

Oakland Athletics

A professional baseball team based in Oakland, California that competes in Major League Baseball's American League West division.

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What they’re saying

“It was a really special night for me, coming back to Citi Field. I have so many great memories here and it was great to see the fans again.”

— Jeff McNeil

The takeaway

McNeil's emotional return to Citi Field is a reminder of the strong connection between players and the cities they represent, even after they've moved on to other teams. His performance and the warm reception from Mets fans show the lasting impact he had during his time in New York.