mets infielder Jeff McNeil Paragon Sports International’s agent, Garrett Parcell, told Joel Sherman of the New York Post that he had surgery to treat thoracic outlet syndrome after the season. Parcell noted that McNeil is expected to be a full participant in spring training.
It was an unexpected revelation, and a relatively shocking one. Parcell called the surgery a “minor incident,” although most TOS cases across major specialties have significant recovery periods. However, there are two types of TOS: vascular and neurogenic. The latter is most common among pitchers and involves a longer recovery period, while the former is more serious but also has a higher success rate. For example, right-handers Merrill Kelly He underwent vTOS surgery in September 2020 and returned to the mound at full strength the following season, taking the ball on April 2 and starting 27 games throughout the season. (The Athletic’s Zach Buchanan explored the differences between the two TOS types in 2020.)
Regardless of the specifics, it’s a noteworthy move for the Mets’ longtime second baseman/outfielder. McNeil, who turns 34 next April, is steadily rebounding after a few down seasons. In 122 games and 462 plate appearances this season, he’s slashing .243/.335/.411 (111 wRC+) with a dozen home runs and an on-base rate (10.6%) that’s nearly matched by a strikeout rate (11.9%). By the end of August, his offensive contributions were much stronger, although TOS symptoms seemed to creep in over the final month of the season, dragging down his numbers.
As of September 3, McNeil had posted an impressive .125/.211/.172 batting line (128 wRC+) with a 19.7% strikeout rate in his final 71 games of the season. Over the final three-plus weeks, when he did make contact, his average exit velocity dropped 4.5 mph from his previous level.
The hope for the Mets and McNeil is to return to full strength next season. He is entering the final guaranteed season of a four-year, $50MM contract extension. The contract will pay McNeil $15.75 next season. There is also a 2027 club option with a corresponding salary of $15.75 or a $2 buyout.
McNeil is expected to remain the Mets’ primary second baseman next year, although he did play more of a true utility role in ’25. McNeil still played 79 games at second base, but also made 34 appearances in center field, 10 in left field, seven in right field, and even played two innings at first base.
Given the plethora of young infielders on the Mets roster (Brett Batty, Luis Angel Acuña, Ronnie Mauricio, Mark Ventos), expanded versatility will once again be available to managers Carlos Mendoza There is some flexibility when writing out his lineup card on a day-to-day basis, although it doesn’t sound like he will be viewed as a regular option in the outfield. President of baseball operations David Stearns said at this week’s general manager meeting that he expects “probably less” time in center field next year. Stearns praised McNeil’s versatility and didn’t rule out an occasional outfield role, but said he doesn’t expect outfielders to account for a “significant” portion of McNeil’s playing time next year.
