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Mets’ Carlos Mendoza Makes Jeff McNeil Decision After Roster Move

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Josh Valdez | Last updated Jun 27, 2025 6:27 PM ET

The New York Mets are back on the winning trail after recently going through a 1-10 stretch. They beat the Atlanta Braves on Wednesday and Thursday, but they also lost latter starting pitcher Griffin Canning for the season after he sustained an Achilles injury in the latter game.

The other side of the ball is also in flux for the Mets, as prospect Ronny Mauricio has shared both second and third base with Jeff McNeil and Brett Baty, respectively. Mauricio is slashing .226/.273/.403 with three homers and five RBI over 18 games, while McNeil is slashing .255/.344/.490 with eight homers and 26 RBI over 50 games. Additionally, Baty is slashing .225/.276/.401 with eight homers and 27 RBI over 60 contests.

Third baseman/designated hitter Mark Vientos' return from injury on Friday further complicates the situation as well. Manager Carlos Mendoza explained how he'll handle the logjam, considering that New York is keeping Mauricio in the big leagues, via SNY.

"We feel comfortable [giving McNeil extended time in center field to make room for Mauricio]," he said. "He continues to go out there, continues to make routine plays. He made an unbelievable play the other day. Just the awareness of the game, throwing the ball to the right base."

"We've seen it with some throwing decisions where we're keeping the double play in order. He's a baseball player," he continued. "We not only see it in the infield, but we've seen it in the outfield as well. Yeah, I could see a scenario where Jeff goes out there and allows us to keep some of these younger players getting reps in the infield as well."

"We feel comfortable"

Carlos Mendoza was asked about Jeff McNeil becoming the primary Mets centerfielder to free up playing time at second base pic.twitter.com/0cf8ycPv8Q
— SNY (@SNYtv) June 27, 2025

McNeil has taken 89 at-bats as a second baseman, 21 as a left fielder, 39 as a center fielder, one as a right fielder, and six as a designated hitter this season.

Southpaw pitcher David Peterson (5-3, 2.98 ERA) will start for New York against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday night.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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