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). He began his MLB career in 2018 with the New York Mets, where he quickly became known for his high contact rate and versatility on the field. McNeil earned two All-Star selections in 2019 and 2022, along with the MLB batting title and Silver Slugger Award in 2022, showcasing his exceptional hitting ability.
Early Life and Background
Jeffrey Todd McNeil was born on April 8, 1992, in Nipomo, California, USA. He attended Nipomo High School, where he played baseball, basketball, and golf. McNeil excelled in basketball, averaging 17 points per game as a senior. Initially focused on golf, he shifted his attention to baseball after a disappointing performance in the 2009 U.S. Junior Amateur Golf Championship. He did not play baseball until his senior year but impressed scouts enough to earn a scholarship to play college baseball at California State University, Northridge, where he hit .446 as a senior. After the coach at California State University, Northridge left, McNeil transferred to Long Beach State. In 2012, he played collegiate summer baseball with the Brewster Whitecaps of the Cape Cod Baseball League. As a junior in 2013, he achieved a .348 batting average and was named to the All-Big West first team, marking a significant step in his baseball career.
Path to Baseball
The New York Mets selected McNeil in the 12th round of the 2013 Major League Baseball draft. He made his professional debut that summer with the Kingsport Mets, hitting .329 in 47 games. McNeil continued to develop in the minor leagues, playing for teams like the Savannah Sand Gnats and St. Lucie Mets, where he showcased his hitting skills and versatility. In 2016, he began using an unorthodox knobless bat, which contributed to his success at the plate. Despite facing injuries that limited his playing time in 2016 and 2017, McNeil persevered and continued to improve. McNeil started the 2018 season with the Binghamton Rumble Ponies, and his performance earned him a promotion to the Las Vegas 51s during the season. He made his Major League debut on July 24, 2018, and quickly made an impact.
Jeffrey Todd McNeil Career
Early Career (2018-2020)
McNeil was promoted to the Major Leagues on July 24, 2018, and recorded his first Major League hit that night against the San Diego Padres. He finished his rookie season with a .329 batting average, leading all MLB hitters with 140 or more plate appearances against right-handers. His impressive performance earned him a vote in the National League Rookie of the Year Award polling. In 2019, McNeil was named to the National League All-Star team, marking his first selection. He recorded his 200th career hit in just 599 at-bats, becoming the fastest player in Mets history to reach that milestone. He finished the season with a .318 batting average, 23 home runs, and 75 RBIs, solidifying his reputation as a rising star in the league.
Breakthrough (2021-2022)
Heading into the 2020 season, McNeil was ranked as one of the top third basemen in baseball by MLB Network. He continued to excel, batting .311 in the pandemic-shortened season. In 2022, McNeil had a standout year, changing his uniform number to accommodate a new teammate. He was selected to the All-Star Game for the second time, starting at second base. McNeil finished the season with a .326 batting average, winning the National League batting title and becoming the first Met to lead MLB in batting average since José Reyes in 2011. He also won his first Silver Slugger Award, making history as the first Mets second baseman to achieve this honor since Edgardo Alfonzo in 1999.
Notable Works and Milestones
Jeffrey Todd McNeil’s signature work includes his remarkable performance in the 2022 season, where he not only won the MLB batting title but also earned the Silver Slugger Award. His ability to maintain a high contact rate and low strikeout rate has made him a valuable player in the league.
Jeffrey Todd McNeil Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Jeffrey Todd McNeil has received several nominations, including two All-Star selections in 2019 and 2022, showcasing his talent and impact on the field.
Jeffrey Todd McNeil Awards Won
Jeffrey Todd McNeil has won notable awards, including the MLB batting title in 2022 and the Silver Slugger Award in the same year, highlighting his exceptional performance during that season.
Jeffrey Todd McNeil Family
Jeffrey Todd McNeil is married to Tatiana DaSilva, whom he wed on February 3, 2018, in Nipomo, California. The couple has two children, a son born in July 2022 and a daughter born in October 2024.
Personal Life
In addition to his baseball career, McNeil maintains a passion for golf, participating in various tournaments. He and his wife adopted a dog during the 2019 season, which gained popularity on social media. McNeil’s commitment to both his family and his career reflects his dedication and work ethic.