Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

The Mets already have several players committed to the 2023 World Baseball Classic including Pete Alonso (USA), Francisco Lindor and Edwin Díaz (Puerto Rico), Starling Marte (Dominican Republic), Mark Vientos (Nicaragua), and Eduardo Escobar (Venezuela).

One name that’s been rumored to be a contender for the event but hasn’t yet been confirmed is Jeff McNeil. However, with the recent injury to Trevor Story, that may be changing soon. Team USA manager Mark DeRosa told MLB Network on Tuesday that he has talked with McNeil about joining the team.

Without Story, Team USA does not currently have a dedicated second baseman on the roster, although Mookie Betts has played the position at times in his career and may end up starting there with the likes of Mike Trout, Kyle Schwarber, Kyle Tucker, and Cedric Mullins available in the outfield. Of course, McNeil can provide outfield innings as well if needed, making him even more valuable to the Team USA roster if he ends up on it.

McNeil had a career season in 2022, winning the major-league batting championship with a .326 average. If he plays, the entire Mets starting infield would be going to the WBC, which could lead to more opportunities in spring training for players like Luis Guillorme, Brett Baty, Danny Mendick, Ronny Mauricio, and José Peraza.

Brandon Nimmo, Kodai Senga, and David Robertson are other players on the Mets roster with international experience, although it’s unclear if any of them will be joining the event, which is scheduled to take place from March 8-21.