Jeff McNeil's Emotional Return to Citi Field Includes 2 Hits and a Win

The former Mets star received a standing ovation in his first game back in New York as a member of the Athletics.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 3:40am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in the cubist style, breaking down a baseball game between the Athletics and Mets into sharp, overlapping geometric planes. The painting features key players and moments from the game, including Jeff McNeil's at-bats, defensive plays, and interactions with the crowd, all rendered in a way that captures the raw emotion and energy of the event.A cubist interpretation of Jeff McNeil's emotional homecoming to Citi Field as a member of the visiting Athletics, capturing the raw energy and bittersweet nature of the moment.NYC Today

Jeff McNeil, who was traded from the New York Mets to the Oakland Athletics in the offseason, made an emotional return to Citi Field on Friday night. McNeil received a video tribute and a standing ovation prior to his first at-bat, then went 2 for 4 with a ninth-inning RBI single in a 4-0 win for the Athletics.

Why it matters

McNeil was a fan favorite during his time with the Mets, winning the NL batting title in 2022. His return to Citi Field as a member of the opposing team highlights the bittersweet nature of trades and the emotional connections players can form with their longtime teams and fanbases.

The details

McNeil appeared to be holding back tears as he stood at the top step of the visiting dugout and watched a nearly minute-long tribute shortly before the first pitch. He then tipped the bill of his helmet twice in acknowledgment of the ovation from the announced crowd of 36,349 before stepping into the batter's box. McNeil doubled in the fourth inning and made a defensive play to rob a hit in the fifth before lining out in the sixth and singling in the ninth to help the Athletics shut out both the Yankees and Mets on consecutive days.

  • McNeil's return to Citi Field came on Friday, April 10, 2026.
  • McNeil turned 34 years old on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.

The players

Jeff McNeil

A 34-year-old outfielder who was traded from the New York Mets to the Oakland Athletics in the offseason. McNeil spent his entire career with the Mets prior to the trade and won the NL batting title in 2022.

David Stearns

The general manager of the New York Mets who orchestrated the offseason overhaul that included trading McNeil to the Athletics.

Brandon Nimmo

A former Mets outfielder who was traded away by Stearns as part of the team's offseason changes.

Pete Alonso

A former Mets first baseman who left the team as a free agent during the offseason.

Edwin Díaz

A former Mets pitcher who left the team as a free agent during the offseason.

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What they’re saying

“Spent, up to now, my entire career with that team, so it's pretty special. I got a little choked up up there. Just overall a super fun night.”

— Jeff McNeil, Athletics Outfielder

“I was looking through their lineup and I got (from a teammate): 'Who do you know?' I go, 'Well, I haven't played with a lot of these guys.' It was definitely an interesting offseason for them.”

— Jeff McNeil, Athletics Outfielder

“I just tried to collect myself. It's kind of nice when that first at-bat was over, you know? It's just like, all right, let's go play baseball.”

— Jeff McNeil, Athletics Outfielder

“Super special day. I'm glad I got through it and now we just get to go play baseball.”

— Jeff McNeil, Athletics Outfielder

What’s next

The Athletics and Mets will continue their series on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at Citi Field.

The takeaway

McNeil's emotional return to Citi Field highlights the bittersweet nature of trades in professional sports, as players can form deep connections with their longtime teams and fanbases. Despite the trade, McNeil's performance and the warm reception from Mets fans show the lasting impact he had during his time in New York.