The New York Mets just can’t seem to catch a break. Another blow to their roster has landed, and this time it’s two-time All-Star Jeff McNeil who’s set to miss some crucial time due to an oblique strain. As the team gears up for the 2025 season, injuries are already piling up, and McNeil’s absence adds another layer of concern for the Mets faithful.
McNeil’s Injury: What Happened?
According to multiple reports, McNeil suffered a low-grade strain in his right oblique and is expected to be shut down for at least 7 to 10 days. That means he will undoubtedly begin the season on the injured list, with an estimated recovery timeline stretching to three or even four weeks. Manager Carlos Mendoza acknowledged the challenge ahead, stating, “This could be tricky.” And tricky it is—losing a key player like McNeil right before Opening Day is far from ideal.
A Roster Already Thinned by Injuries
If McNeil’s injury wasn’t enough, the Mets had already received bad news just last week regarding catcher Francisco Alvarez. The promising young catcher underwent surgery to repair a fractured left hamate bone, sidelining him for six to eight weeks. Losing two crucial position players before the season even starts is a tough pill to swallow for the team.
More Trouble: Depth Players Also Down
The Mets signed Nick Madrigal back in February to provide infield depth and fill the role Jose Iglesias held last season. But guess what? Injuries struck again—Madrigal suffered a season-ending shoulder injury during camp, leaving the Mets scrambling for solutions. With McNeil now also out, the Mets' infield depth is looking dangerously thin.
Who Steps Up Now?
So, who will step up in McNeil’s absence? Young prospects Brett Baty and Luisangel Acuña appear to be the leading candidates. Baty, a 25-year-old corner infielder, has struggled in his time with the Mets, slashing just .215/.282/.325 over 169 major league games from 2022-24. Acuña, 23, offers a bit more intrigue, as he impressed in his brief 14-game stint last season with a .308/.325/.641 line.
Acuña, in particular, could find himself in a prime position to claim a roster spot for Opening Day, especially with McNeil sidelined. Baty, on the other hand, might be better suited for a corner infield role, leaving second base open for someone like Acuña or another utility option.
More Names in the Mix
With McNeil down, a couple of other utility players might get an opportunity to prove their worth. Donovan Walton, who signed with the Mets in November 2024, has five years of major league experience, including stints with the Mariners and Giants. He’s versatile, having played second base, shortstop, and third base, making him a valuable depth option.
Another name to watch is Luis De Los Santos. The 26-year-old was picked up off waivers from the Blue Jays and primarily played third base and shortstop in their system. He made his big-league debut last season, and with the Mets’ current injury woes, he could find himself getting more playing time than initially expected.
A Look at McNeil’s Recent Performance
McNeil isn’t coming off his best year, which adds another wrinkle to this situation. In 2024, he slashed .238/.308/.384, a noticeable dip from his career averages of .289/.353/.430. Still, despite the down year, his presence in the lineup would have been invaluable, and the Mets were banking on him to bounce back in 2025. Now, they’ll have to wait a few weeks before seeing if he can return to form.
A Tough Start to 2025
Starting the season without McNeil and Alvarez isn’t what the Mets envisioned. The front office had already dealt with setbacks by losing Madrigal, and now they’re left piecing together a roster that’s taken multiple hits before the first pitch of the regular season.
For fans, it’s frustrating. The Mets entered the offseason with hopes of bolstering their squad for a strong run, yet injuries are already creating obstacles. With Opening Day fast approaching, all eyes will be on who steps up in the wake of these injuries and whether the Mets can weather the early-season storm.
What’s Next?
The Mets still have options to adjust their lineup and fill the gaps left by these injuries, but it’s clear they’re facing an uphill battle. Will Acuña seize the opportunity and cement his place in the lineup? Can Walton or De Los Santos make an unexpected impact? And most importantly, will McNeil’s injury linger longer than expected?
For now, the Mets will have to navigate the next few weeks without some of their key players. It’s not the ideal way to kick off the 2025 season, but as baseball has shown time and time again, unexpected heroes can emerge when given the chance. Mets fans will just have to hope that someone steps up in a big way—and soon.
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