Mets infielder Jeff McNeil probably didn’t see this coming.
After an offseason bereft of excitement — their most expensive move was signing Sean Manaea for two years, $28 million — WFAN host Sal Licata proposed that the Mets “rid themselves” of the two-time All-Star at all costs.
Licata’s reasoning?
“I think he’s part of a losing culture, and he doesn’t provide enough for me,” Licata said, via Audacy. “He’s a gamer, but he’s also selfish. He’s always frustrated any time he doesn’t get a hit. If he’s not batting .330, what does he provide you?”
This move would certainly shake things up, but the jury is out on whether it would be for the better.
McNeil had somewhat of a disappointing season last season after winning the batting title in 2022. He batted .270/.333/.378 10 home runs, 55 RBI and 10 stolen bases in 156 games.
These numbers don’t tell the full story of McNeil’s 2023 season. While he did start the season off slowly, batting .252 with a .658 OPS and just three home runs and 34 RBI through July. Beginning in August, he began to resemble his former self. In the 52 games that followed, McNeil batted .303 with an .809 OPS, adding seven home runs and 21 RBI.
This wasn’t enough to change Licata’s mind. Especially since the Mets finished with a 75-87 record, fourth in the NL East, missing the postseason for the sixth time in seven years.
McNeil, who the Mets drafted in the 12th round in 2013, made his big league debut in 2018. The team has a 442-428 (.508 winning percentage) and has never won their division in that time.
That’s hardly McNeil’s fault, but don’t tell Licata that.
Manuel Gomez may be reached at [email protected].
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