After losing outfielder Juan Soto to the New York Mets, the New York Yankees made several moves to bolster their roster in hopes of contending for the World Series in 2025. However, with Gleyber Torres departing for the Detroit Tigers, there’s still a notable gap in manager Aaron Boone’s infield that needs filling.
Could the Yankees look to the Mets for help by pursuing utility player Jeff McNeil? Currently, the Yankees’ infield consists of first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, shortstop Anthony Volpe, and third baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. While Chisholm held his own at third base after arriving in the Bronx last season, his natural position is second base. Ideally, general manager Brian Cashman would move Chisholm back to second and bring in a new third baseman.
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FanSided’s Jacob Mountz suggested McNeil as one of four infielders the Yankees should target. “McNeil posted a solid .279 with 10 home runs on the road in 2024,” Mountz wrote. “But at home, he struggled with a .199 average and just two home runs. Clearly, McNeil would thrive in a different environment.” Known for his slap-hitting style, McNeil could see his power numbers rise significantly at Yankee Stadium, where his left-handed swing might regularly produce 20+ home runs—a feat he’s accomplished just once.
Entering the third year of a four-year, $50 million contract, McNeil is set to earn $15.75 million in both 2025 and 2026, with a $15.75 million club option for 2027, according to Spotrac. Despite a rough .238/.308/.384 line in 2024, the two-time All-Star and 2022 MLB batting champion showed a strong resurgence after an injury. Before the All-Star break, he posted a disappointing .216/.276/.314 line in 323 plate appearances, but bounced back in the second half, slashing .289/.376/.547 in 149 plate appearances. Could McNeil be the piece the Yankees need to complete their infield and make another World Series push?
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