Mets' Francisco Lindor to gift Jeff McNeil a car if he wins NL batting title

Heading into the last day of MLB regular-season action for 2022, ESPN stats show that New York Mets infielder Jeff McNeil leads the entire National League with a .326 batting average and is four points ahead of Freddie Freeman of the Los Angeles Dodgers. 

That is significant for reasons that go beyond the record books. 

Mike Puma of the New York Post reports that Mets star shortstop Francisco Lindor promised earlier in the season that he would buy McNeil a car if the 30-year-old won the batting title for the ongoing campaign. Lindor confirmed ahead of Wednesday's games he is keeping his word. 

"But what kind of car I don’t know," Lindor explained to Puma. "That was not specified in the negotiations." 

Meanwhile, McNeil said he plans to "have a conversation with" Lindor about the type of vehicle that should soon be purchased. 

"It’s the only award I can really look forward to," McNeil told reporters about earning the batting crown following Tuesday's doubleheader sweep of the Washington Nationals. "I am never going to lead the majors in home runs. It’s kind of the one that is attainable for me and I am super excited with my day today." 

Former MLB shortstop Jose Reyes is the last Mets player to win a batting title, which he did in 2011. 

It was recently learned that Chicago Cubs veteran pitcher Marcus Stroman kept a previously-delivered promise and gifted Cleveland Guardians right-hander Triston McKenzie a Rolex watch to celebrate McKenzie's achievements for the season. Lindor went one step further, but he also put pen to paper on a 10-year contract extension that could be worth up to $341 million with the Mets in the spring of 2021. 

"Mr. Smile," as he's affectionately known, can afford to splash some cash on the occasional car or two.