PORT ST. LUCIE – Jeff McNeil’s hat-trick playing on third base on Sunday – he made a fielding and shooting error, plus a missed reception – offered a reminder of why the Mets removed him from position last season.
Especially uncomfortable with pitches, McNeil moved to the left field in 2020 and also went into action on second base, behind Robinson Cano. With Cano suspended all season after testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug banned for the second time, McNeil figures primarily as the second baseman. But there are also doubts whether JD Davis is a full-time third baseman, leaving coach Luis Rojas to try different options this spring.
“We believe in [McNeil’s] ability to play in third place, but if you want to rank your positions, I know he’s more acclimated playing on second base and even on the left field, but he looked good on third base in the past, ”said Rojas after Mets and Marlins played for a 4 -4 Bow tie at Clover Park. “I know we can go back to last year, when he fought a little bit in third place too, but we believe he can play there.”
The most likely plan B on third base, according to Rojas, is Jonathan Villar, who destroyed a three-race home run as second starting base. Veteran Villar arrived this offseason with a $ 3.55 million one-year contract, giving the Mets a real shortstop replacement behind Francisco Lindor, as well as someone who can play second and third.
Villar, who has not played third base since 2016, started in position in a game last week and continues to accumulate repetitions during pre-game exercises. Villar can also make occasional laps on the field, where he played moderately in his career.
“They paid me the money, so if they need me to play off the field, I will go there,” said Villar. “Whatever position they want me to play in, I will be ready to play anything. If they want me to be the catcher, I will do it. “
The team officials liked Davis’ starting game on third base. A notable adjustment was his repositioning to not play too deep, reducing his chances of being defeated on slow grounders in front of him.
But the Mets may also want to find opportunities for Villar’s left-handed baton and see third base as the best option.
“He will have more exposure in the third place in the camp than McNeil will have in the camp,” said Rojas. “[Villar] and JD will be the two who will play most on third base and we want to see Mac at the beginning of the camp playing on third base and we can see him again. “
While there could be an argument that McNeil would be better served just by focusing on second base, there is a value in versatility.
“Spring training is for that and just to give [McNeil] a little more exposure and to make sure he feels comfortable and puts himself back in position, but I believe he can play there, ”said Rojas.
McNeil’s chances of playing on the field may be constrained by the additions of Kevin Pillar and Albert Almora Jr. In addition, the lack of a universal DH signals that Dominic Smith will start most of the time on the left field. But expect McNeil to stand a chance on the left before the camp ends, as well as at least another look at the third.
“We want to see the combinations,” said Rojas. “We want to see the different positions and how the guys are there. Every day is a win-win situation. We don’t play well in defense today, but you can teach a lot with that and can definitely tell you where you need to work. “