Athletics Decline 2027 Options for Two Players

The Oakland Athletics have opted not to pick up the 2027 team options for Jeff McNeil and Jeffrey Springs.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Baseball

Expressive editorial sports illustration of a baseball player in green and gold uniform, captured in mid-swing motion. — The Oakland Athletics have declined the 2027 team options for veterans Jeff McNeil and Jeffrey Springs, making both players unrestricted free agents. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Oakland Athletics announced they are moving on from Jeff McNeil and Jeffrey Springs by declining their 2027 team options. Both players have officially transitioned to unrestricted free agency.

Why it matters

This move clears roster space and financial commitments as the Athletics look to reshape their lineup for upcoming seasons. The team is now tasked with finding new defensive and pitching stability following these departures.

Jeff McNeil finished his most recent season with a .264 batting average and 59 runs batted in. Meanwhile, Jeffrey Springs recorded a 15-25 win-loss record alongside a 5.05 ERA during his two-year stint with the organization.

The players

Jeff McNeil

Jeff McNeil is a veteran infielder who previously served as a key offensive contributor for the Athletics with a .264 average.

Jeffrey Springs

Jeffrey Springs is a professional pitcher who concluded his time with the Athletics after two years with the team.

Jacob Wilson

Jacob Wilson is a promising young prospect for the Athletics who previously finished as a runner-up for rookie of the year honors.

Drew Swift

Drew Swift is an infielder within the organization who saw a significant improvement in performance during his 2026 breakout season.

Leo De Vries

Leo De Vries is a developmental infielder who represents a potential candidate to fill the vacancy left at second base.

The details

The decision to decline these options forces both veterans onto the open market where they will test their value with other clubs. The Athletics are expected to look internally for replacements, potentially testing prospects like Jacob Wilson, Drew Swift, or Leo De Vries at second base.

December 2024: Jeffrey Springs was traded to the Athletics.
2025: Jacob Wilson was the runner-up for rookie of the year.
2026: Drew Swift experienced a breakout season.
October 30, 2026: The Athletics officially announced the decision to decline the team options.

Season Trajectory

The organization is signaling a shift in strategy by prioritizing the integration of high-performing prospects over existing veteran contracts. This transition reflects a broader trend of aligning roster depth with the recent emergence of players like Jacob Wilson and Drew Swift.

The Athletics now have a clear opening at second base, positioning prospects like Drew Swift and Jacob Wilson to compete for a starting role in the upcoming season. Fantasy managers should monitor spring training usage to determine which young infielder claims the primary job.

The takeaway

The Athletics are clearly pivoting toward their younger core by parting ways with veteran assets. Fans should expect a focus on development as the franchise tests its internal pipeline to fill the current vacancies.