Jeffrey Todd McNeil Bio
Jeffrey Todd McNeil, nicknamed “Squirrel” or “Flying Squirrel,” is an American professional baseball utility player for the Athletics of Major League Baseball (MLB). Born on April 8, 1992, in Nipomo, California, McNeil built his reputation as a high-contact hitter with exceptional versatility across multiple defensive positions. He began his MLB career in 2018 with the New York Mets and quickly established himself as one of the most reliable contact hitters in the National League. McNeil earned two All-Star selections in 2019 and 2022, with his 2022 campaign standing as his most decorated season when he won the MLB batting title and Silver Slugger Award.
Early Life and Background
McNeil grew up in Nipomo, California, where he attended Nipomo High School. During his high school years, he balanced three sports—baseball, basketball, and golf—while excelling particularly in golf and basketball. He played three seasons of high school basketball, averaging 17 points per game as a senior. McNeil focused primarily on his golf career until a disappointing performance at the 2009 U.S. Junior Amateur Golf Championship prompted him to shift his focus back to baseball.
Since the high school golf and baseball seasons both occur in the spring, McNeil did not play organized baseball until his senior year of high school. Despite this late start, his performance in summer baseball earned him a scholarship offer to play college baseball at Cal State Northridge. He hit .446 as a senior in high school and honored his commitment to the Matadors.
After Northridge’s coach departed the school, McNeil changed his college commitment to Long Beach State. In 2012, he played collegiate summer baseball with the Brewster Whitecaps of the Cape Cod Baseball League, one of the premier summer leagues for college players. As a junior at Long Beach State in 2013, McNeil posted a .348 batting average with only 11 strikeouts in 221 at-bats and earned All-Big West First Team honors.
Path to Professional Baseball
The New York Mets selected McNeil in the 12th round of the 2013 Major League Baseball Draft. After signing with the organization, he made his professional debut that summer with the Kingsport Mets of the Appalachian League, where he hit .329 in 47 games. The following season, McNeil played with the Savannah Sand Gnats and St. Lucie Mets, combining to hit .292 with three home runs, 51 RBIs, and 17 stolen bases in 117 games.
In 2015, McNeil continued his development with St. Lucie and Binghamton Mets, slashing .308/.369/.377 with one home run, 40 RBIs, and 16 stolen bases in 123 games. Following the season, he participated in the Arizona Fall League, a traditional finishing school for top prospects. A pivotal moment came in 2016 when McNeil received an unorthodox knobless bat from Mets minor league hitting coordinator Lamar Johnson. The modification transformed his approach at the plate, and he began using knobless bats exclusively thereafter.
McNeil’s progress was hindered by numerous injuries in 2016 and 2017, limiting him to just 51 combined games across both seasons with Binghamton, St. Lucie, and Las Vegas. He started 2018 with Binghamton before earning a promotion to Las Vegas, where his consistent hitting earned him a call-up to the Major Leagues.
Jeffrey Todd McNeil Career
New York Mets Breakthrough (2018–2025)
McNeil received his long-awaited promotion to the Major Leagues on July 24, 2018. He recorded his first MLB hit that same night at Citi Field against Phil Hughes of the San Diego Padres, doing so on the first pitch he saw. Less than a week later, on July 31, McNeil hit his first Major League home run, connecting against Tanner Roark of the Washington Nationals. In his rookie season, he batted .329/.381/.471 in 225 at-bats and led all MLB hitters with 140 or more plate appearances against right-handers, posting a remarkable .345 average. He received one vote in the National League Rookie of the Year Award voting, placing him in a three-way tie for sixth place.
McNeil developed early in his career a reputation as a “throwback” player known for his exceptional contact rate and low strikeout frequency. In 2019, after the Mets acquired Robinson Canó during the offseason, McNeil transitioned primarily to left field. On June 30, 2019, he earned his first All-Star selection. On August 5, 2019, McNeil recorded his 200th career hit in his 599th at-bat, becoming the fastest player in Mets history to reach that milestone. For the season, he batted .318/.384/.531 with 23 home runs and 75 RBIs, leading all Major League batters in swing percentage at pitches inside the strike zone at 85 percent.
The 2020 season was shortened by the pandemic, but McNeil continued his consistent production, batting .311/.383/.454 with four home runs and 23 RBIs in 52 games. He became the first Mets player since David Wright in 2005 to post a batting average of .300 or higher in three consecutive seasons. His 2021 campaign saw a dip in production as he batted .251/.319/.360 with seven home runs and 35 RBIs in 120 games.
Athletics Era (2026–Present)
On December 22, 2025, the Mets traded McNeil and cash considerations to the Athletics in exchange for minor league pitcher Yordan Rodriguez. The trade ended McNeil’s seven-plus year tenure with the Mets organization. He entered the 2026 season as the Athletics’ starting second baseman and utility player, bringing his veteran presence and contact-hitting ability to a young roster.
Driving Style and Strengths
McNeil built his offensive game around an elite ability to make contact, consistently ranking among the lowest in strikeout rates across MLB. His approach at the plate features exceptional hand-eye coordination and the willingness to swing at pitches throughout the strike zone. The adoption of the knobless bat in 2016 helped him develop a unique swing path that contributed to his success against both right-handed and left-handed pitchers.
Notable Events and Milestones
McNeil’s 2022 season represented his career-defining achievement. He started the All-Star Game at second base for the National League, becoming the first Mets position player to start an All-Star Game since David Wright in 2013. He finished the season with a .326 batting average, winning the National League batting title and becoming the first Met to lead all of MLB in batting average. He also won his first Silver Slugger Award, marking the first Mets second baseman to earn the honor since Edgardo Alfonzo in 1999.
Jeffrey Todd McNeil Career Wins
Throughout his MLB career spanning from 2018 through the 2026 season, McNeil has established himself as one of the most consistent contact hitters in baseball. His career statistics include a .280 batting average, 83 home runs, and 389 RBIs through June 26, 2026.
Major League Highlights
McNeil’s most decorated season came in 2022 when he won the National League batting title with a .326 average, edging out all qualified major league hitters. He earned his second All-Star selection and first Silver Slugger Award, establishing himself as the premier contact hitter at his position. His 2018 rookie season saw him lead all MLB hitters against right-handers with a .345 average, setting the foundation for his consistent production. McNeil’s 200th career hit came in his 599th at-bat, the fastest rate in Mets franchise history.
Other Achievements
Beyond his MLB success, McNeil represented the United States at the 2023 World Baseball Classic. Across five games, he posted a .385 on-base percentage with five walks, notably scoring two runs against Cuba in the semifinals. In the championship game against Japan, he worked out a seven-pitch walk against Shohei Ohtani in the ninth inning, representing the only player to reach base in the final frame as Team USA finished runner-up.
Jeffrey Todd McNeil Family
Family Background
McNeil comes from Nipomo, California, and has maintained connections to his hometown throughout his career. Despite giving up a potential professional golf career, he continues to play regularly and has found success in amateur competition. He won the 2024 Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions celebrity division and previously participated in the 2023 New York State Open.
Personal Life
McNeil married his wife, Tatiana (née DaSilva), on February 3, 2018, in Nipomo, California. The couple adopted a dog named Ms. Willow McNeil during the 2019 season, and the pet became a social media sensation. They have two children together—a son born in July 2022 and a daughter born in October 2024. McNeil balances his baseball career with his family life while remaining active in golf and community activities.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season presented challenges for McNeil as he dealt with injuries throughout the year. On March 13, 2025, he suffered a low-grade right oblique strain and began the season on the injured list. The Mets activated him from the IL on April 24, and he made his season debut the following day against the Washington Nationals, going 1-for-4 in a 5-4 loss. McNeil made 122 appearances for New York on the year, slashing .243/.335/.411 with 12 home runs and 54 RBIs. Following the conclusion of the season, he underwent a procedure to address thoracic outlet syndrome. The surgery and subsequent recovery led to his trade to the Athletics in December 2025, as the Mets looked to reshape their roster while McNeil sought a fresh start with a new organization.