There’s space on the Mets roster for Jeff McNeil, but is there much of a need?

Remember Jeff McNeil? Well, he’s back and not in pog form. Not even in the lineup, on the field, or on the roster. The veteran New York Mets utility man celebrated the birth of a child recently while in the recovery process from a wrist injury. He hasn’t played since September 6 but cleared to resume baseball activities, and has become a candidate to join the Mets in a future series.

The Mets have clearance on the postseason roster to add McNeil. It shouldn’t involve sending Luisangel Acuna to the taxi squad. Far too valuable as a pinch runner, McNeil’s presence on any future Mets playoff roster should involve him replacing one of the two relievers they have yet to use this October. Swap Adam Ottavino or Danny Young out for McNeil.

It’s an easy pivot. What isn’t as clear is whether or not the Mets actually have the need to add McNeil onto any future playoff roster.

Where can Jeff McNeil fit into any future Mets playoff roster plans?

Jose Iglesias hasn’t waved his magic wand much in the playoffs. Overall, the surprise fan favorite of the season is batting .182/.182/.364 in the playoffs. He continues to do the small things at an elite level. Compared to McNeil who hasn’t swung a bat in a game for more than a month now, it’s a bold pivot to start handing at-bats over to a guy who struggled so mightily all year.

Of course, the Mets need to beat the Philadelphia Phillies with McNeil only in the dugout before any sort of decision needs to be made. McNeil would be useful to the Mets as a late-game defensive replacement with Mark Vientos exiting from third base in favor of Iglesias who’d slide over to the hot corner from second. Beyond this, the Mets will have to play a game of gut feeling and playing the percentages to ever start McNeil over someone else.

McNeil’s value as more than a second base remains a strength that shouldn’t be ignored for the construction of the roster. However, with superior outfield defenders Harrison Bader and Tyrone Taylor around, he isn’t much of a consideration for finishing games in either corner outfield spot.

The Mets didn't shy away from giving Kodai Senga an abbreviated start to begin the NLDS despite missing far more time than McNeil. The playoffs is a time to take subtle risks for the sake of strategy. McNeil gives the Mets added depth. Let's say Bader enters as a defensive replacement and the Mets blow a game. Bader's spot in the order comes up in the next inning. McNeil would be an upgrade to pinch hit.

A Mets win in the NLDS but a cold finish by Iglesias could help McNeil’s case but only if the Mets are willing to do two things. One would involve going into the NLCS with one less reliever. Considering they’ve gotten this far without using two of them, it shouldn’t be a problem. Secondly, the Mets need to be sure McNeil is prepared enough to actually contribute. It could always take until a World Series appearance for this to happen. That road, as close as it feels, is still a few exits away.