Jeff McNeil first appeared at Citi Field in 2018, making it clear he was intentionally challenging the modern focus on three true outcomes. Using a traditional, knobless bat and emphasizing contact over power, he played as a classic style hitter who prioritized making contact and putting the ball in play rather than hitting for home runs.
After a quick ascent that saw him hit 23 home runs during an All-Star season in 2019 and post an impressive .311 batting average in the shortened 2020 season, McNeil recovered from a challenging, injury-filled 2021 to produce a remarkable display of contact hitting. That summer, he won the National League Batting Title with a.326 average and led all of Major League Baseball with 53 multi-hit games. He also achieved career highs in hits (179) and doubles (39), earning his second All-Star nod and his first Silver Slugger Award. This demonstrated that his aggressive, strikeout-avoidant swing could dominate any pitching staff.
However, his performance often mirrored the franchise's dramatic swings. After his batting title peak, he struggled with consistency and health, trying to find his stride during a frustrating, injury-shortened 2024 campaign that ended early with a fractured wrist. He fought back to make 122 appearances in 2025, grinding through discomfort to salvage 12 home runs and 54 RBI while shifting across the diamond to help keep the club afloat.
Needing to address thoracic outlet syndrome surgery and with the Mets front office aggressively looking to clear salary and reshape their culture, McNeil was sent to the Oakland Athletics in what amounted to a salary-dump trade, with New York eating a significant portion of his remaining contract. McNeil compiled 920 hits, 80 home runs, and a .351 on-base percentage.
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