Jeff McNeil will stay in Queens for the foreseeable future after agreeing to a four-year, $50 million contract extension with the New York Mets, ESPN reported Friday.
The utility player won the National League batting title in 2022 and was set to enter free agency after the 2024 season. But now the deal, which is pending a physical, will keep him in New York for several years. more.
The report noted that a fifth-year club option would bring the total value to $63.75 million.
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Jeff McNeil of the New York Mets hits a two-run double during the seventh inning against the San Diego Padres in Game 2 of the Wild Card Series at Citi Field in New York City on October 8 of 2022.
(Elsa/Getty Images)
McNeil’s style of play emphasizes making contact with the ball when it’s at the plate. In 2,039 career plate appearances, McNeil struck out just 242 times.
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He also has an impressive .307 career batting average, which is third behind Luis Arraez, now of the Miami Marlins, and Freddie Freeman of the Los Angeles Dodgers among players with a minimum of 1,000 at-bats since his debut. McNeill in 2018.
McNeil had 39 doubles, nine home runs and 62 RBIs in 589 plate appearances in 2022.
Jeff McNeil of the New York Mets reacts in game two of the Wild Card Series against the San Diego Padres at Citi Field in New York City on October 8, 2022.
(Elsa/Getty Images)
McNeil has been a key part of the Mets’ roster since his debut in 2018, showing his versatility by playing the infield and outfield positions. He had a career-high 106 games at second base last season and spent 47 games as an outfielder.
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The median annual value of the deal is $12.5 million, bringing the Mets’ new projected payroll plus taxes to a record $467 million.
Jeff McNeil of the New York Mets attempts to convert a double play against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of game two of the Wild Card Series at Citi Field in New York City on October 8, 2022.
(Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
The organization likely believes the 30-year-old’s skill set will age well. But the use of a shot clock, bigger point guards and a ban on defensive trades could all play a role in McNeil’s overall impact going forward.
The Mets won 101 games during the regular season last year, but had a disappointing season finale with a loss to the San Diego Padres in the wild card round.
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McNeil hit an MLB-best .326 average last season.