It’s an unexpected revelation, and a relatively alarming one at that. Parcell called the procedure “minor,” although the majority of TOS cases in the majors have notable recovery periods. However, there are two types of TOS: vascular and neurogenic. The latter is most common among pitchers and has a tougher recovery period, while the former is a more serious medical condition but also has a better success rate. Right-handed, for example Merrill Kelly underwent a vTOS procedure in September 2020 and was back on the mound at full strength the following season, taking the ball on April 2 and starting 27 games over the course of the season. (The Athletic’s Zach Buchanan looked into the distinction between the two TOS types at the time in 2020.)
Regardless of the details, it’s a remarkable operation for the Mets’ longtime second baseman/outfielder. McNeil, who turns 34 next April, is having a solid rebounding campaign after a couple of down seasons at the plate. He hit .243/.335/.411 (111 wRC+) with a dozen home runs and nearly as many walks (10.6%) as strikeouts (11.9%) in 122 games and 462 plate appearances this season. His offensive contributions were much more robust in late August, although it appears TOS symptoms emerged in the final month of the season and dragged down his numbers.
McNeil had a solid .266/.357/.457 line (128 wRC+) with more walks than strikeouts deep into the season on September 3. Over his last 71 plate appearances, he posted an abysmal .125/.211/.172 batting line with an increased strikeout rate of 19.7%. His average exit velocity when he made contact in those last three-plus weeks was a whopping 4.5 mph lower than his previous levels.
The hope for the Mets and McNeil is a return to full strength next season. He is entering the final guaranteed season of a four-year, $50 million contract extension. That contract will pay McNeil $15.75 million next season. There is also a 2027 club option with an associated salary of $15.75 million or a $2 million buyout.
McNeil is looking to reprise his role as the Mets’ first baseman next year, although he did move into more of a true utility role in ’25. McNeil still played 79 games at second base, but also made 34 appearances in center field, 10 in left field, seven in right field and even logged two innings at first base.
Considering the abundance of young infielders on the Mets roster (Brett Baty, Luisangel Acuna, Ronny Mauricio, Mark Wind), that greater versatility will again yield the manager Carlos Mendoza some flexibility in writing out his lineup card each day, though it doesn’t sound like he’ll be seen as a regular option in the outfield. President of baseball operations David Stearns said during this week’s GM Meetings that he envisioned “probably less” time in center field next year. Stearns praised McNeil’s versatility and didn’t rule out occasional outfield reps, but said he doesn’t expect the outfield to make up a “significant” portion of McNeil’s playing time next year.
#Jeff #McNeil #underwent #thoracic #exhaust #procedure