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3 once-reliable NY Mets players fans are losing their patience with

ByThomas Yorke|
Oct 4, 2022; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez (50) celebrates with second baseman Luis Guillorme (13) and relief pitcher Tylor Megill (38) and second baseman Jeff McNeil (1) and first baseman James McCann (33) and third baseman Mark Vientos (27) after defeating the Washington Nationals at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Oct 4, 2022; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez (50) celebrates with second baseman Luis Guillorme (13) and relief pitcher Tylor Megill (38) and second baseman Jeff McNeil (1) and first baseman James McCann (33) and third baseman Mark Vientos (27) after defeating the Washington Nationals at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images
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1.    How long should we wait for Jeff McNeil?

Jeff McNeil was not considered to be a can’t-miss prospect coming out of college. He was taken in the twelfth round by the NY Mets in the 2013 draft.  McNeil hit his way through the minor league system, finally making the major league debut in 2018. Nicknamed “The Flying Squirrel,” his hustle and tendency to get dirty soon made him a fan favorite.

McNeil hit over .300 in each of his first three years in MLB, even making the National League All-Star team in 2019. After a bit of a stumble backwards in 2021, the year 2022 was the season in which McNeil proved that he was a star. He became only the second NY Met to lead the National League in batting. His .326 batting average also earned him another trip to the All-Star Game, a Silver Slugger Award and a new four-year contract from the Mets valued at $50 million.

The future was flush with potential for our Flying Squirrel. Then, suddenly, it wasn’t. His batting average slipped to .270 in 2023. It has hovered around the .230 mark both last year and today. He can still show flashes of what he once was, but this has lasted too long to be considered as a slump. Unfortunately, it is merely the reality of a former everyday veteran player reaching age 33.

McNeil’s versatility still makes him a valuable role player. He is a reliable substitution at almost every position except pitcher and catcher. He still has another year to go on his contract, so it’s pretty safe to say that he’ll be here through next season. Besides, what team would want to pay $12.5 million a season for a utility player? Management has to learn how to use Jeff McNeil as the player that he is today, not the player that he once was. It can be a harsh reminder at times, but as they say, baseball is a business. Truer words were never spoken.