It only took one NY Mets game for fans to want Jeff McNeil benched again

Jeff McNeil came back to the New York Mets on Friday and his start at second base was mostly welcomed. Who knew what the 2022 NL batting champ had in store? A modern Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, we’d either get the smooth-looking All-Star version of McNeil or the frustrated temperamental one.

Last year’s McNeil frustrations led to more playing time for Jose Iglesias in the middle part of the season. McNeil eventually began to hit in the second half but continued to share duties at second base with the most popular player on the 2024 team. A season-ending injury stole away any competition. But an injury to begin this season with Luisangel Acuna taking over at second base in his place (and pretty much thriving) has created a different kind of logjam to the point where McNeil could end up back in his super utility role yet again.

The story of the night in McNeil’s return was a predictable one. His inability to make a play, to at least stop a ground ball up the middle, ended things in favor of the Washington Nationals. For the first time in over a week, the Mets lost.

The Mets showed faith in Jeff McNeil and he came up small in a big moment

Would an out have been made on this play? Possibly not. If Acuna was at second base, his speed would have at least had him knocking the ball down and avoiding the conclusion to a 5-4 loss. McNeil has been a steady defender at second base for the Mets. His range, however, doesn’t compare to what Acuna brings as a natural shortstop and one of the fastest players in the game.

The Mets don’t have the luxury to make quite as many defensive changes as others. One backup infielder on a given day, they need to choose their spots. Brett Baty’s demotion puts them in a questionable spot as to what they should do at third base late in games with only an inexperienced Acuna to replace Mark Vientos as well as McNeil whom one could argue never seemed quite as comfortable at the hot corner as anywhere else.

Carlos Mendoza loves to use all of his players, but chose against replacing the second baseman McNeil in this instance. Will he think twice about it the next time this happens? The current construction of the roster will make it difficult with the team carrying essentially two DHs.

Put the blame on McNeil here. It’s like what our little league coaches would tell the bad defensive players, “just get in front of it.” McNeil’s inner-goalie didn’t come out. Fans are rightfully unhappy.