Oakland Athletics Decline Jeff McNeil 2027 Option

The Athletics opted out of the $15.75 million contract, leaving the Mets to pay a $2 million buyout for the second baseman.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Baseball

Expressive sports illustration of a baseball player mid-swing in Athletics team colors, rendered with vibrant gestural brush strokes. — The Oakland Athletics have declined the 2027 club option for second baseman Jeff McNeil, making the veteran player an unrestricted free agent. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Oakland Athletics have officially declined the 2027 club option for second baseman Jeff McNeil, sending the player into free agency. As a result of the trade terms from the 2025-26 offseason, the New York Mets are now responsible for a $2 million buyout.

Why it matters

The move marks the end of McNeil's tenure in Oakland after a single season. The decision allows the Athletics to clear the $15.75 million option from their payroll while McNeil seeks a starting position elsewhere in the league.

McNeil finished the 2026 season in Oakland with a batting line of .264/.313/.368. The declined contract option was valued at $15.75 million.

The players

Jeff McNeil

He is a professional second baseman who previously played for the New York Mets before his trade to the Oakland Athletics.

Oakland Athletics

This is a professional Major League Baseball team based in Oakland that recently moved on from their veteran second baseman.

New York Mets

This is a Major League Baseball franchise that traded Jeff McNeil and retains financial obligations via a buyout clause.

The details

Following the team's decision on October 30, 2026, McNeil officially enters the free agent market. Despite the departure, the financial liability for the buyout rests with the New York Mets per the terms of their trade agreement.

The trade sending Jeff McNeil to the Athletics occurred during the winter of 2025-26.
McNeil recorded his 2026 statistics while playing the season for the Athletics.
The Oakland Athletics declined the club option for Jeff McNeil on October 30, 2026.

Season Trajectory

This move signals a shift in the Athletics' roster construction as the franchise adjusts its payroll following the 2026 campaign. The departure of McNeil opens a starting spot for the upcoming season, forcing the team to re-evaluate its middle infield depth chart.

McNeil is now eligible to sign with any MLB club as a free agent, effectively changing the landscape of the current second base market. Fantasy managers should monitor his eventual landing spot as he is projected to secure a starting role elsewhere.

The takeaway

Free agency offers McNeil a fresh start to secure a starting role with a new organization. Teams looking for veteran infield experience will likely weigh his 2026 performance metrics against his potential for bounce-back production.