As the New York Mets lead by a game in the Wild Card standings, it’s crucial time for Jeff McNeil, a two-time All-Star and former NL batting champion, to improve his performance. The second baseman and corner outfielder has struggled since halfway through 2021, including the first half of 2024 despite winning a batting title in 2022.

McNeil made a promising start in the majors, debuting late in 2018 and earning an All-Star spot in 2019, his first full season. However, his recent decline has placed his position on the team in jeopardy, especially with Jose Iglesias effectively taking over at second base. With Starling Marte sidelined indefinitely by a knee injury, an opportunity has arisen for McNeil to reclaim his form in the right field.

Although McNeil showed some improvement before the All-Star break, hitting .250/.348/.400 in his last seven games, his season stats are still the lowest of his career. Over 88 games, he has managed only a .216 average and a .590 OPS, contributing five home runs and 24 RBIs.

Marte’s injury combined with McNeil’s lackluster performance could push the Mets to pursue an outfielder like Jesse Winker from the Washington Nationals. Winker, hitting .260 with a .806 OPS, could be a valuable addition to the Mets lineup.

McNeil is locked in with the Mets for two more years, with $15.75 million due each year and a club option for 2027. There was talk of trading him after a disappointing 2021 season, but his subsequent contract extension following his batting title in 2022 has likely decreased his trade value.

Now, the pressure is on McNeil to either step up and secure the right field position or face a potential relegation to a bench role. His performance in the upcoming games will be crucial, particularly with the trading deadline approaching.