Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Jeff McNeil

Discover the career path of Jeff McNeil, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Jeffrey Todd McNeil, nicknamed "Squirrel" or "Flying Squirrel," is a professional baseball utility player currently playing for the Athletics in MLB, after previously playing for the New York Mets. He debuted in MLB in 2018. McNeil's breakout year was in 2022 when he started the All-Star Game at second base. He also won the MLB Batting Title and the Silver Slugger Award that year, marking significant achievements in his career.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1999: First Mets Second Baseman to Win Award Since 1999

Jeff McNeil became the first Mets second baseman to win the Silver Slugger Award since Edgardo Alfonzo in 1999, after winning it in 2022.

2005: First Mets Player Since David Wright in 2005 to Bat .300+ in Three Straight Seasons

Jeff McNeil became the first Mets player since David Wright in 2005 to have a batting average of .300 or more in three straight seasons, achieving this feat in the 2020 season.

2011: First Met to Win Batting Title Since José Reyes in 2011

Jeff McNeil was the first Met to win the National League batting title since José Reyes in 2011, after winning the title in 2022.

2012: Played in Cape Cod Baseball League in 2012

In 2012, McNeil played collegiate summer baseball for the Brewster Whitecaps of the Cape Cod Baseball League.

2013: Drafted by the New York Mets in 2013

In 2013, Jeff McNeil was selected by the New York Mets in the 12th round of the Major League Baseball draft.

2013: Named to All-Big West First Team in 2013

In 2013, as a junior, McNeil achieved a .348 batting average with only 11 strikeouts in 221 at-bats, earning him a spot on the All-Big West first team.

2013: First Mets' Position Player to Start an All-Star Game Since David Wright in 2013

Jeff McNeil was the first Mets' position player to start an All-Star Game since David Wright in 2013, as of the 2022 All-Star Game.

2014: McNeil played for Savannah Sand Gnats and St. Lucie Mets in 2014

In 2014, McNeil played with the Savannah Sand Gnats and St. Lucie Mets, achieving a .292 batting average with three home runs, 51 RBIs, and 17 stolen bases across 117 games.

2015: Played for St. Lucie and Binghamton Mets in 2015

In 2015, McNeil played for St. Lucie and Binghamton Mets, recording a .308/.369/.377 slash line with one home run, 40 RBIs, and 16 stolen bases in 123 games. He also participated in the Arizona Fall League after the 2015 season.

2016: First Met to Win Award Since 2016

Jeff McNeil was the first Met to win the Silver Slugger Award since Yoenis Céspedes in 2016, after winning it in 2022.

July 24, 2018: McNeil's Major League Debut

On July 24, 2018, McNeil was promoted to the Major Leagues and recorded his first hit against Phil Hughes of the San Diego Padres at Citi Field. Later, on July 31, he hit his first Major League home run against Tanner Roark of the Washington Nationals. He batted .329/.381/.471 in 225 at bats during his rookie season. He received one vote in the National League Rookie of the Year Award polling.

2018: Played Second Base in 2018

During the 2018 season, Jeff McNeil primarily played second base, appearing in all but four defensive games at that position.

2018: Played for Binghamton Rumble Ponies and Las Vegas 51s in 2018

Jeff McNeil started 2018 with the Binghamton Rumble Ponies and was later promoted to Las Vegas during the season.

June 30, 2019: Named to the National League All-Star Team in 2019

On June 30, 2019, Jeff McNeil was named to the National League All-Star team, marking his first selection.

August 5, 2019: Recorded 200th Career Hit in 2019

On August 5, 2019, Jeff McNeil recorded his 200th career hit in his 599th at-bat, becoming the fastest player in Mets history to reach 200 career hits. He finished the season with a .318/.384/.531 slash line, 23 home runs, and 75 RBIs.

2020: Played Left Field in 2020

During the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, Jeff McNeil primarily played left field for the Mets, batting .311/.383/.454 with 4 home runs and 23 RBIs in 52 games.

2021: 2021 Season Performance

In the 2021 season, Jeff McNeil batted .251/.319/.360 with 7 home runs and 35 RBIs in 120 games.

2021: "Bounce-Back Year" from 2021

Jeff McNeil described the 2022 season as a "bounce-back year" from a comparatively poor 2021 season.

June 10, 2022: Named to MLB All-Star Game in 2022

On June 10, 2022, McNeil was named to the 2022 MLB All-Star Game as a representative for the National League. He started as second baseman after Jazz Chisholm Jr.'s injury.

November 10, 2022: Won First Career Silver Slugger Award on November 10, 2022

On November 10, 2022, Jeff McNeil won his first career Silver Slugger Award for second baseman.

2022: Won the National League Batting Title in 2022

In 2022, Jeff McNeil finished the season with a .326 batting average, winning the National League batting title. He had the lowest called strike plus whiff rate in the majors, at 19.0%.