Jeff McNeil Hits Free Agency After Athletics Decline 2027 Club Option

The Athletics officially declined their $15 million-plus club option on infielder Jeff McNeil for the 2027 season, sending the nine-year veteran to the open market. Acquired from the Mets last offseason, the 34-year-old McNeil logged a .264/.313/.368 slash line with nine home runs and eight stolen bases in 2026. After transitioning off second base to make 43 starts at first base, McNeil finished strong in the second half.