The New York Mets and 2022 National League batting champion Jeff McNeil have agreed on a contract extension that will keep him in Queens for at least four more seasons.
The Mets were one of the best teams in baseball throughout 2022. A key part of that winning recipe was versatile fielder and gifted hitter Jeff McNeil. This season, the 30-year-old earned All-Star honors for the second time as he again played multiple positions for a team that won over 100 games.
On Friday, the Mets and their star player decided to avoid a fight in arbitration over the next two offseasons and instead came to terms on a new long-term pact. The deal, first reported by ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan, is for four seasons and $50 million. The deal also includes a fifth-year team option that could push the total worth of the contract to $63.75 million.
After a down year in 2021, he roared back this season with career-bests in hits (174), doubles (39), average (.326), and walks (40). In winning the batting title in 2022, he cemented his place as one of the premiere hitters in the National League.
Three moves the New York Mets must make following Jeff McNeil contract extension
The New York Mets have had a busy offseason that includes signing future Hall-of-Famer Justin Verlander and Japanese ace Kodai Senga. However, after negotiations failed with All-Star Carlos Correa earlier this month, there are still more decisions the team needs to make ahead of spring training. Here are three moves the Mets must make in the coming weeks.
Extend Pete Alonso’s contract
The Mets have now made long-term investments in McNeil and Brandon Nimmo. Now they have to do so for 2022 All-Star and slugger Pete Alonso. “The Polar Bear” is the thump in their order and the heart of their locker room. Retaining him before he becomes a free agent in 2025 should be a top priority for the team sooner than later.
Name Francisco Alvarez as opening day starter at catcher
New York has arguably the best prospect in the sport in catcher Francisco Alvarez. Nothing is guaranteed in this game, but he is considered as close to a can’t-miss talent as there is. With the team having an opening at the position after trading James McCann this winter, the team needs to boldly proclaim he is their next big star and prepare him to receive for two future Hall-of-Famers during a World Series run, and name him their starter now.
Decide on the second part of their DH platoon
The New York Mets have a very solid designated hitter in Daniel Vogelbach. However, he is a specialist against right-handed pitchers. They acquired Darin Ruf before the trade deadline, but he did not deliver down the stretch against lefties. The Mets must find the second part of their 2023 DH platoon, and if top prospects like Brett Baty or Mark Vientos factor into that dynamic next season.
More must-reads: