Mets' Van Wagenen says Jeff McNeil 'penciled in' to start at second base

McNeil burst onto the scene in his first taste of the major leagues

11/8/2018, 12:59 AM
Aug 22, 2018; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets second baseman Jeff McNeil (68) hits an RBI single against the San Francisco Giants during the second inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports / Andy Marlin
Aug 22, 2018; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets second baseman Jeff McNeil (68) hits an RBI single against the San Francisco Giants during the second inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports / Andy Marlin

Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen said on Wednesday that 26-year-old second baseman Jeff McNeil is "penciled in" to start at second base.

McNeil made the most of his first major league stint last season when he hit .329/.471/.852 with 11 doubles, six triples, three homers, and 19 RBI in 63 games.

McNeil, whose success came during the second half of the season as he filled the void left by Asdrubal Cabrera, also impressed defensively.

Prior to his promotion, McNeil spent five and a half seasons making his way through the ranks of the Mets' minor league system. In 88 games between Double-A and Triple-A last season, he hit .342/.411/.617 with 19 homers and 71 RBI.

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