Jeff McNeil Rounding Back Into Form, Showcasing Power Late in Games

Jeff McNeil has never been known for his ability to hit home runs, but to his credit, he showcases that power in big moments. That was on display against the Miami Marlins on Monday, as the two teams were tied 1-1 going in the ninth inning. McNeil led the inning off against left-handed reliever Tanner Scott, who had not given up an earned run since July.

It was clear that the 2022 National League batting champion was going to have his hands full in a difficult lefty-lefty matchup.

With the count standing 1-1, Scott hung a 89 MPH slider over the middle of the zone. McNeil was able to get a hold of it, hitting the ball into the visitors bullpen in right field. His 10th home run of the season proved to be an important one, as the Marlins dropped another game in their pursuit for a Wild Card spot in the National League playoff race.

“No clue,” McNeil said after the game about his recent power surge. ” [I] seem to be barreling a little more balls but really not trying to do too much up there.”

“[I’m] trying to stay middle, and I feel like I’ve hit that inside pitch a little bit better and just throwing my hands at the ball and it has been traveling,” McNeil said about his recent uptick in home runs.

McNeil is on a recent power surge, as three of his four home runs in September have come in the last eight games. The 31-year-old hit a career-high 23 home runs in 2019, his first full season in the big leagues. Since then, McNeil has not be relied upon as a power bat in the middle of the Mets order.

In 2021, the two-time All-Star made adjustments in his approach at the plate. McNeil began to search for more home runs, and as a result, his average dropped to a career-worst .251. This season is a bit different, despite his batting average sitting at .266 through 618 plate appearances.

He started to turn it around after the All-Star break, and McNeil is slashing .283/.329/.430 with seven home runs and 27 runs batted in since then. He’s raised his average 20 points (.246 vs. .266) and his OPS 60 points (.642 vs. .702) since July 20.

The team’s Swiss Army knife has batting around .300 throughout his career, and over the last two months, he has performed much closer to that level. If the Mets want to position themselves much better going in the 2024 season, getting McNeil back to his best is a necessity.

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