Get to know new A's second baseman Jeff McNeil

Jeff McNeil joined the Athletics in a trade with the Mets earlier this offseason, bringing eight years of big league experience as the true definition of a “professional hitter” and 2022 batting champion.

What you may not know about McNeil is that he has ties to the Sacramento area, where the A’s will continue playing home games this upcoming season at their temporary home of Sutter Health Park. Get to know about that and more highlights from the second baseman’s introductory Zoom call with reporters:

On returning to his native California to play for the A’s

McNeil: Yeah, great to be back in California. My hometown is kind of in the San Luis Obispo area. So, about five hours from Sacramento. I have some family, my brother and sister, who live up in Sacramento. Got some people who can help me out, which is nice. So, excited to be back in California. I’m really going to miss New York. [The Mets] were great to me. I spent my entire career there, was drafted by them. I love the memories there and loved my time there. But I’m ready for a fresh start and super excited to get going.

On his relationship with A’s left fielder Tyler Soderstrom

McNeil: We have the same agency, and we actually played in a golf tournament together up at Pebble Beach. We spent three days together up there hanging out. So I got to know him pretty well. Played some good golf up there. We got to play at Pebble Beach, [Spyglass] and [Spanish Bay]. So it was a fun trip. I got to get to know him a little bit better, actually. I think I met him when he was a Draft prospect. I think he was going into his senior year [of high school] and our agency brought him down to the central coast. We played some golf at one of my home courses down here.

On playing his home games at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento

McNeil: I've played a few games there. In the Minor Leagues, I might have played like two games there. I didn't make the trip [with the Mets] this year. I was hurt, so I didn't get to play there this year. But I've heard nothing but great things. … The ball flies. Smaller ballpark, you've got to take advantage of those home games. Super excited. Hopefully, I can get some hits to drop and we can have a great year.

On undergoing a minor procedure to repair thoracic outlet syndrome on his right shoulder shortly after the 2025 season

McNeil: I feel great. [The shoulder] was bugging me at the end of the year. It hurt to throw, hurt to swing a little bit. … There were a few swings where I didn't feel too good. But I got that taken care of and had no problems. Now, there are no limitations. I’m back to 100 percent. It was pretty minor, but it was just best to take care of it at the time to come back this year healthy. So my body feels good. No restrictions or anything like that in Spring Training. I’m ready to go.