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 for the New York Mets. He debuted in MLB in 2018. In 2022, McNeil was named an All-Star, started the All-Star Game at second base, won the MLB Batting Title, and received the Silver Slugger Award, highlighting his significant impact and success in the sport.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2012: Brewster Whitecaps

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

2013: Drafted by the New York Mets

In 2013, Jeff McNeil was selected by the New York Mets in the 12th round of the Major League Baseball draft and made his professional debut with the Kingsport Mets that summer.

2013: All-Big West Selection

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

2013: Mets' position player to start an All-Star Game

On June 10, 2022, Jeff McNeil was the first Mets' position player to start an All-Star Game since David Wright in 2013.

2014: Savannah Sand Gnats and St. Lucie Mets

In 2014, Jeff 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: St. Lucie and Binghamton Mets

In 2015, Jeff McNeil played with St. Lucie and Binghamton Mets, slashing .308/.369/.377 with one home run, 40 RBIs, and 16 stolen bases in 123 games.

July 24, 2018: Major League Promotion

On July 24, 2018, Jeff McNeil was promoted to the Major Leagues and recorded his first Major League hit that night against the San Diego Padres.

2018: Defensive Games

After playing second base in all but four defensive games during the 2018 season, Jeff McNeil spent the majority of 2019 in left field after the Mets traded for Robinson Canó.

2018: MLB Debut

In 2018, Jeff McNeil made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut with the New York Mets.

2018: Promotion to Las Vegas

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

June 30, 2019: All-Star Selection

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

August 5, 2019: 200th Career Hit

On August 5, 2019, Jeff McNeil recorded his 200th career hit in his 599th career at bat, becoming the fastest player in Mets history to reach this milestone.

2020: 2020 Season

During the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, Jeff McNeil batted .311/.383/.454 with 4 home runs and 23 RBIs in 52 games and became the first Mets player since David Wright in 2005–09 to have a batting average of .300 or more in three straight seasons.

2021: 2021 Season

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

June 10, 2022: All-Star Selection

On June 10, 2022, Jeff McNeil was named to the 2022 MLB All-Star Game as a representative for the National League, marking the second selection of his career.

November 10, 2022: Silver Slugger Award

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

2022: All-Star Game, Batting Title, and Silver Slugger Award

In 2022, Jeff McNeil started the All-Star Game at second base, won the MLB Batting Title, and received the Silver Slugger Award.

2022: National League Batting Title

Jeff McNeil finished the 2022 season with a .326 batting average, the highest among all qualified major league batters, securing the National League batting title.

January 27, 2023: Contract Extension

On January 27, 2023, Jeff McNeil agreed to a four-year, $50 million contract extension with the Mets, including a fifth-year club option.

2023: New York State Open

Despite giving up a professional golf career, Jeff McNeil still plays regularly and participated in the 2023 New York State Open.

2023: World Baseball Classic

In 2023, Jeff McNeil played for the United States national baseball team at the World Baseball Classic (WBC), notably scoring two runs against Cuba in the semifinals. Team USA finished second place.