Athletics’ Jeff McNeil shuts down drama narrative with Francisco Lindor in 2025

Apr 11, 2026 - 00:45

As Athletics star Jeff McNeil has been leading the team to wins to start off the season, there has been a recent story connected to his time with the New York Mets and specifically his relationship with shortstop Francisco Lindor. While McNeil looks to add to the culture of the Athletics, he would clarify reports regarding a fight and altercation with Lindor during their time with the Mets.

Speaking with the media before the Athletics and New York face off in a three-game series starting on Friday, he would be asked about a scuffle where Lindor “grabbed McNeil by the throat and pinned him against a wall” in 2021, per The New York Post. Then last season, McNeil and Lindor reportedly got into a “heated altercation” in Philadelphia.

McNeil would say there wasn’t a fight, and regarding the Philadelphia incident, the two had a “little argument” and that it was “no big deal.” He would also deny that a trade from the Mets to the Athletics wasn’t made because of his relationship with Lindor; in fact, the veteran would compliment the New York star as a teammate.

“We were teammates. I think he’s a great guy and good person, and I enjoyed my time playing with him. Wish him all the best, and he’s a great baseball player, one of the best shortstops to ever do it. Best of luck to him in the rest of his career, and it’s been fun playing with him,” McNeil said, via SNY Mets.

Jeff McNeil says he had a "little argument" that was "no big deal" with Francisco Lindor in Philadelphia last year:
On his relationship with Lindor: "We were teammates. I think he's a great guy and good person and I enjoyed my time playing with him. Wish him all the best and… pic.twitter.com/12udJ8f1Ns
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) April 10, 2026