The Mets are petitioning Major League Baseball to allow Jeff McNeil to appear in Arizona Fall League games. That would get him the live pitching he needs to see before activation.
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) October 8, 2024
Road to Recovery Takes Jeff McNeil to AFL
If the Mets advance to the NLCS, McNeil’s chances of being added to the roster are considerable. While not a certainty, McNeil’s return is highly plausible, contingent upon his successful recovery and live pitching appearances over the next five days. Should McNeil be added, Luisangel Acuña would likely be the roster casualty. Acuña has seen minimal playing time, and McNeil’s presence would further limit those opportunities. DiComo echoed this sentiment in a recent Reddit AMA, suggesting Acuña’s already limited role would be effectively eliminated by McNeil’s return.
McNeil’s veteran presence and versatility would bolster the Mets lineup, making a valuable asset for the NLCS. While no guarantee, McNeil’s progress suggests a strong possibility of his inclusion, which could at Acuña’s expense.
Manager Carlos Mendoza will face an intriguing decision on how to utilize the versatile infielder/outfielder.