Following a challenging start to the season marked by massive struggles, Jeff McNeil appears to have made a turnaround, resembling the consistent hitter who clinched a batting title in the previous season. His frustrating early months characterized by helmet tosses, tough outs and seemingly adverse luck have taken a positive turn as August began, reminiscent of the McNeil fans have come to know.

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This upward trajectory was evident during Sunday afternoon’s game, when McNeil delivered a 2-for-4 performance that included a crucial home run to right field, notably against his former teammate Dominic Leone. After this game, McNeil’s OPS has exceeded .700, marking the first time he has reached this level since June 19. Over his last two games, he’s impressively gone 5-for-9, amassing a double, triple, home run and two RBIs, simultaneously elevating his batting average to .270.

In an article featured on MMO on August 23, Rivka Boord delved into McNeil’s remarkable resurgence on the baseball field. She highlighted the stark contrast in McNeil’s performance, observing that leading up to July 23, his statistics were rather underwhelming at .248/.322/.321, resulting in a modest .643 OPS. However, the subsequent 28 games witnessed a dramatic transformation as McNeil surged forward with a batting average of .333, an on-base percentage of .388 and a slugging percentage of .468, culminating in an impressive .857 OPS. What’s particularly intriguing is that these numbers closely mirrored his 2022 stat line, which earned him the NL batting title.

Subsequently, McNeil has sustained this high level of performance and effectively shaken off the early-season misfortunes that had plagued him. Over his recent span of 30 games, encompassing 120 at-bats, he has showcased his prowess with an impressive 38 hits, which includes four home runs, in addition to crossing the plate 18 times and driving in 15 runs.

While he may not be known for lightning-fast baserunning, McNeil has displayed a surprising burst of speed, successfully swiping five bases during this stretch. His remarkable plate discipline continues to stand out, as evidenced by 11 walks and three hit-by-pitches that have contributed to a solid on-base percentage of .352. McNeil’s batting prowess has reemerged, with a robust batting average of .317, and his penchant for delivering extra-base hits is underscored by a slugging percentage of .483. This period of consistent performance has been a testament to McNeil’s resilience and return to his classic form.

As the 2023 season approaches its conclusion, the month of September holds significant importance not just for the New York Mets as a whole, but also for McNeil individually. While the team finds itself outside the playoff race, the organization’s brass and management are utilizing these final games to assess their current roster, identifying the pieces worth retaining and those that may be better suited for other opportunities.

While it’s improbable that McNeil will be traded, the team remains open to exploring potential trades to bolster their future prospects. McNeil’s consistent performance, akin to his standout displays in 2022 and earlier, complicates the decision-making process for the team’s higher-ups. Therefore, it is incumbent upon McNeil to maintain his renowned high-level play, making it even more challenging for the team to consider parting with him in any future trade discussions.