New York Mets welcome in the Jeff McNeil era with overdue promotion

Hot-hitting minor leaguer Jeff McNeil was finally called up to the New York Mets on Tuesday. Let’s see what the kid can do.

This week, the New York Mets called up one of their most productive minor leaguers from Triple-A Las Vegas. Jeff McNeil, 26 years of age, has been rewarded with a trip to the show.

McNeil had been hot for Vegas his past seven games as he went 12-for-28 with a double and four RBIs. Not just his last seven games but he has played well in both levels of the minors this season to get the call up to the bigs.

Between both Double-A Binghamton and Triple-A Las Vegas this season McNeil batted .342/.411/.617 with 19 home runs, 71 RBIs and 36 walks in 339 at-bats. At any level, these numbers are enough to catch the attention of all MLB GMs; whether the chair is occupied by one man or three.

The Mets, who are to make “a flurry of roster moves” the next coming days, plan to use McNeil as an infield utility to start his major league career. His natural position is at second base but that is currently being held by Asdrubal Cabrera who is also a hot name for trade talks.

McNeil’s name was not mentioned as a call-up earlier in the season mainly due to the fact that he would not start over Cabrera but with the trade deadline looming the Mets see this as a perfect time for the call-up.

As well as his bat has been, his defense continues to be a slight concern though as McNeil is not known to be a potential gold glove candidate. Though the defensive weakness was not enough to keep the 26-year-old from Santa Barbara, California down in the minors, Mets manager Mickey Callaway went on to say this to media:

"“The way his season’s gone, his ability to swing the bat, put together good at-bats, he’s probably earned the right to have a chance up in the big leagues…..For him to have the best possible chance, we think him moving around would be valuable.”"

Earlier this month McNeil spoke with the Daily News and a question brought up was about the age of which he is first getting called up and McNeil had zero worries about age:

"“I don’t feel like it’s too late or anything. A lot of guys make their debut at 26, it’s not a huge deal…I know I haven’t been considered a top prospect or anything. But I know my time will come.”"

With the season not going the way the Mets planned during Spring Training, they know now is the time to start giving prospects their chances and to see what they can bring to the field.

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As for McNeil, it’s now his time to prove that he belongs in the bigs and to make a big push to be on that Opening Day roster come next season.