Mets infielder/outfielderJeff McNeil underwent a "minor" procedure for thoracic outlet syndrome shortly after the end of the Mets' season, his agent, Garrett Parcell, told Joel Sherman of The New York Post.
Parcell added that the injury caused McNeil pain when he swung a bat late in the season, and that he is expected to be ready to go for spring training.
McNeil had a bounce back campaign in 2025, posting a .746 OPS across 462 plate appearances over 122 games.
He again provided tons of versatility, seeing time at second base, all three outfield spots, and designated hitter.
Speaking at the GM Meetings on Wednesday, Mets president of baseball operations David Stearnssaid McNeil would likely not be relied on much in center field in 2026.
"I think probably less," Stearns replied when asked if McNeil is in the mix for center. "I think we love Jeff’s positional versatility, but I don’t see us looking at that as a significant portion of his time for next year."
McNeil, 33, is owed $15.75 million in 2026 in what is the fourth and final guaranteed year of the deal he signed before the 2023 campaign. The Mets hold a club option for the 2027 season that is worth $15.75 million and contains a $2 million buyout.
McNeil could be a valuable player for the Mets in 2026, but it's fair to wonder how his playing time might be impacted given New York's glut of infielders.
Brett Baty is expected to get significant playing time at third base, and is also capable of playing second base. Then there's Ronny Mauricio, who can play every infield position except first base.
Prospect Jett Williams is not expected to break camp with the team, but his debut could come at some point early in the season — and his best fit might be second base.
There's also a chance the Mets add a free agent infielder such as Alex Bregman or Bo Bichette.
