How McNeil’s Return Could Shape Mets’ NLCS Roster
The New York Mets finally have an opportunity to breathe after an emotional two-week stretch. Now, they await the winner of the San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers series that will conclude on Friday night. Amidst speculation that Jeff McNeil will return to the roster in the National League Championship Series, a shake-up is likely looming.
Here is what the potential roster will look like for the Mets when they head over to the West Coast:
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Starters & Bench (13)
- Francisco Alvarez
- Pete Alonso
- Jose Iglesias
- Francisco Lindor
- Mark Vientos
- Brandon Nimmo
- Harrison Bader
- Starling Marte
- Luis Torrens
- J.D. Martinez
- Tyrone Taylor
- Jeff McNeil
- Jesse Winker
The biggest change that we could theoretically see among the position players is McNeil replacing Luisangel Acuña. While Acuña had some big moments for the Mets at the end of the regular season, McNeil was able to find his stride before injuring his wrist in early September, and given that he is a veteran, it’s more than likely that he will replace the rookie. McNeil is also able to provide another much-needed left-handed bat either off the bench or in the starting lineup given the potential match-ups the Mets may have to contend with.
Rotation (4)
No surprises here. After the Mets made Senga the Game One starter in the NLDS against the Philadelphia Phillies, he returns for the NLCS with another potential series-opening start looming. His pitch limit is unknown, but it’s reasonable to expect him to go for about two innings like he did in Philadelphia. Manaea, Severino and Quintana will all be well-rested for their turns in the rotation, and it remains to be seen how the team will line up their outings.
Bullpen (9)
- Edwin Díaz
- David Peterson
- Tylor Megill
- Phil Maton
- Ryne Stanek
- Reed Garrett
- Jose Buttó
- Adam Ottavino
- Danny Young
There are no changes here, but McNeil could replace either Ottavino or Young if the Mets opt to keep Acuña around for his glove and base-running. Both pitchers have been a part of the roster for the entirety of the postseason up to this point, though neither has made an appearance.
Peterson has been incredible coming out of the bullpen, tossing 6 1/3 scoreless innings across three games after thriving in the rotation all season. Another major contributor for the Mets bullpen has been Stanek, who has only given up two hits in 4 1/3 innings. Manager Carlos Mendoza has received excellent starting pitching thus far, and he will have a fully-rested bullpen at his disposal for the first time in the playoffs once Game One rolls around.
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