Wrist injuries are a very undesirable development for batters, as they can sap power in a hurry. Fortunately, the New York Mets’ star Jeff McNeil finally caught a break when it comes to injuries and, according to Laura Albanese of Newsday, is already on a normal offseason routine.
McNeil suffered the injury in late September after being hit with a pitch. The official diagnosis was a fractured right distal ulnar fracture in his wrist. It eventually required surgery but will begin Spring Training with no restrictions.
The Mets‘ star infielder finished the season with a .318/.384/.531 batting line, 23 home runs, 75 RBI, five stolen bases, and 83 runs scored in 133 games.
The Mets caught a lucky break
McNeil told Albanese he is “feeling good and I’m basically back to my normal offseason routine†after the surgery, performed in early-October. He also detailed that the location of the fracture (“not really on the joint or where it flexesâ€) helped him. That was his lucky break after years of so many physical ailments that delayed his development and opportunity.
He made four trips to the injured list from 2016 to 2017, which was frustrating for him and for the Mets. “A couple of years ago, I was on the Rule 5 draft and I guess no one wanted me. It was a really tough couple of years. I knew I had the talent and everything, but I missed a bunch of time. When I had the opportunity to play, I made the most of it. So to see where I am now, see where I was two years ago, it’s pretty incredible.â€
Albanese explained that the Mets resisted including McNeil in any trade talks. They see him as a very valuable long-term piece. After all, after showing up in the bigs in July 2018, he has a .321 batting average, .383 on-base percentage, and 141 wRC+. Those are excellent marks.
Offensive and defensive prowess
He, along with Pete Alonso, led the New York Mets in 2019 with a 143 wRC+. He is, according to Fangraphs, and “old schooler†at the dish.
Besides being a great batter, McNeil is also a terrific defender. The Mets badly need talented gloves: he was two outs above average at both second and third base in 2019.
McNeil likes where the Mets are headed. “We’re just trying to build off what we did last year. Last year was a really exciting second half to the season […] Everyone is going to come into camp extremely confidentâ€.