Jeff McNeil will remain in Queens for the foreseeable future after agreeing to a four-year, $50 million contract extension. New York MetsESPN reported on Friday.
utility player won national league batting title in 2022 and was set to enter free agency after the 2024 season. But now the deal, which is pending physical, will keep him in New York for several more years.
The report states that a club option for a fifth year would take the total value to $63.75 million.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Jeff McNeil of the New York Mets hits a two-run double during the seventh inning of Game Two of the Wild Card Series against the San Diego Padres at Citi Field on October 8, 2022 in New York City.
(Elsa/Getty Images)
McNeil’s style of play emphasizes making contact with the ball when he is at the plate. In 2,039 career plate appearances, McNeil has struck out just 242 times.
Mets break silence on Carlos Correa loss, shortstop deal with Twins official
He also has an impressive .307 career batting average, which now ranks third behind Luis Arraz of the Miami Marlins and Los Angeles Dodgers. Freddy Freeman among players with at least 1,000 at-bats since McNeil’s 2018 debut.
McNeil hit 39 doubles, nine home runs and 62 RBI in 589 plate appearances in 2022.
Jeff McNeil of the New York Mets reacts during the second game of the Wild Card Series against the San Diego Padres at Citi Field on October 8, 2022 in New York City.
(Elsa/Getty Images)
McNeil has been a key part of the Mets’ roster since his 2018 debut, and has shown his versatility by playing both the infield and outfield positions. He entered 106 games at second base last season, a career-high, and spent 47 games as an outfielder.
Jeff Kent says ‘head-scratching embarrassment’ after failing to be inducted in Hall of Fame voting
The average annual value of the deal is $12.5 million, which boosts the Mets’ new projected payroll plus taxes to an unprecedented $467 million.
Jeff McNeil of the New York Mets tries to turn a double play against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of the second game of the Wild Card Series at Citi Field on October 8, 2022 in New York City.
(Sarah Stier / Getty Images)
The organization believes that a 30-year-old skill set will age well. But a pitch clock, large bases and restrictions on defensive innings could play a role in McNeil’s overall effectiveness going forward.
The Mets won 101 games during the regular season last year, but the loss marked a disappointing end to the campaign. san diego padres in the wild-card round.
Click here to get the Fox News app
McNeil batted an MLB-best .326 last season.