Mets and McNeil agree to 4 year extension

*Photo from AM New York*

   One of the NL's best hitters is sticking around for a few more years. The New York Mets and IF/OF Jeff McNeil have agreed to a 4 year, $50 million contract extension, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN. The Mets have confirmed the deal.

   The contract covers McNeil's final two years of arbitration eligibility while also delaying his free agency by two years. There is also a team option for the 2027 season that could max the contract at 5 years and $63.75 million, quite a pay raise after an outstanding season.

   Mets owner Steve Cohen said of McNeil that "We are thrilled for Jeff and his family. It feels like he hasn’t stopped hitting since he lined a single in his first at-bat at Citi Field five years ago. We are especially proud that Jeff worked his way through our organization over the last decade to become a homegrown star and that he has chosen to extend our partnership."

   Last season saw McNeil capture the NL batting title while making his second all star game. He ended the season with a .326 batting average and .836 OPS, adding 62 RBI's while hitting 9 home runs in 148 games played.

   In his major league career, McNeil has turned into a versatile option in the field, being able to play second and 3rd base as well as left field while remaining a threat at the top of the lineup. He will continue to be the Mets primary second baseman and will also play for Team USA in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.

   It wasn't just the batting title last season for McNeil. He also took home a silver slugger award at second base while finishing in the top 10 in the NL among on base percentage, OPS, total hits, and WAR. He has all star game appearances in 2019 and 2022 under his belt as well.

   Mets GM Billy Eppler said that "Jeff was a big part of our success last season. He has truly elite bat-to-ball skill, which has been the foundation of his strong offensive performance throughout his career. On the other side of the ball, his ability to play infield and outfield at a high level adds valuable flexibility to our roster. We’re thrilled to have him here for years to come."

   The move to extend McNeil is the latest in a big offseason for the Mets. They've re-signed Brandon Nimmo, Adam Ottavino, and Edwin Diaz while adding Kodai Senga, Justin Verlander, Jose Quintana, David Robertson, Brooks Raley, and Omar Narvaez.