Jeff McNeil enjoyed an all-star season for the St. Lucie Mets hitting .312/.373/.382 with 18 doubles, six triples, homerun, 40 RBI,  and 16 stolen bases.  His on-base percentage led the Florida State League as well as scoring the most runs with 80. He was promoted to the Binghamton Mets for the last week of the season going 3-15 in a four game stint.

Jeff had a strong year defensively as well being named the best fielding second baseman in the FSL by a Baseball America poll done following the season. He showed his versality playing 59 games at second, 34 at shortstop, 28 at third base, two at first, and one in center field.

He was named to the FSL midseason and postseason All-Star team this year. He is currently playing in the Arizona Fall League for the Salt River Rafters and is batting .222/.263/.222 in 18 at bats.

Mike: First off want to congratulate you on a fantastic season!

Jeff: Thank you I appreciate it!

Mike: I know that you didn’t get to play much but was it like to play for Binghamton at the end of their during a playoff run and in the playoffs?

Jeff: It was a great experience! It was great to be a part of a playoff team and experience what it is like to be in the playoffs at a higher level.

Mike: You were leading the league in hitting on and off this year, is that something you paid attention to at all?

Jeff: I was aware I was leading the league most of the year but I was just trying to stay consistent throughout the year and put together good at bats and the results would take care of themselves.

Mike: What do you think was a big key to your success at the plate this year and really your entire career in Mets system?

Jeff: I try to keep things and simple as possible and I try not to change my swing a lot. I trust my swing and I know it has worked for me throughout my professional career. I also try to be aggressive early in the count and get a good fastball to hit. 

Mike: Where in the infield are you most comfortable playing?

Jeff: I would say I’m the most comfortable at 2nd base. I played there mostly in college, my first year in Kingsport, and its where I get the most ground balls in practice.

Mike: What are you doing this offseason to get you ready for the 2016 season?

Jeff: Well I’m playing in the Arizona fall league this year so that will help me get ready for next year. Also I’m working out everyday trying to get bigger and stronger for next year.

Mike: What has impressed you about your teammate Dominic Smith, this year?

Jeff:  He’s an all around tremendous player. He has got a great swing and hits the ball hard consistently and he plays a great first base as well. Its nice knowing as an infielder if I throw it in the dirt he is going to pick it. It was also great to see him have a great year even after a slow start.

Mike: What do you think you need to improve on to take the next step towards the Major Leagues?

Jeff: I think I just need to stay consistent with my approach and keep on hitting the ball hard. I am also trying to get bigger and stronger which is going to help me hit for more power which I haven’t done a lot of in my career.

Mike: How much do you pay attention to the big league club?

Jeff: I love to watch the big league team play and it was great to see them win the division this year and get back to the playoffs!

Mike: Is there anyone on the Mets that talk you? I know you spent some time in big league camp during Spring this year.

Jeff: I talked to all the big leaguers that came down to St. Lucie to rehab and I learned a lot from them. It was great to play in the same infield as Daniel Murphy and David Wright!

Mike: Who were your favorite teams/players growing up?

Jeff: I actually grew up a huge dodger fan but I will be rooting for the Mets of course in the division series! I really loved watching Derek Jeter when I was younger.

Mike: Do the Mets or hitting coaches in the Minors preach a certain approach that they want you to take at the plate?

Jeff: Ya, they want us to get a good fastball to hit and when you get it drive it. You may only get one good fastball to hit in an at bat and you have to be ready to drive it.

Mike: What is it like to have played with Michael Conforto this year and to know see him in the Majors and succeeding? Does it give guys in the minors something more to strive for?

Jeff: It’s great to see him being so successful in the big leagues! It was a lot of fun playing with him and he is a great talent. Seeing him make it to the big leagues from high a this year shows just how close you are to making it to the big leagues.

Mike: What is your favorite moment as a professional baseball player so far?

Jeff: I think my first professional homerun was pretty exciting. I didn’t hit a homerun in 3 years in college so it was awesome for me to get that first one in pro ball.

Mike: You did an outstanding job filling in at SS this year when Amed Rosario was hurt, what did you have to do to get ready for that role?

Jeff: Ya it was first time playing there since college so ya I definitely put in some extra work to get used to the throw again. It is the biggest change from 2nd base, it’s a much further throw and a completely different angle so that’s why it takes some getting used too. 

Mike: What coach has influenced you the most coming up through the Mets system?

Jeff: All the coaches have been great to me throughout the mets system but I think Luis Rojas has influenced me the most. I’ve got the chance to play for him for 2 straight years and in that time I have learned a lot from him.

Mike: Thanks for answering all my questions, good luck in the AFL and hope to see you in New York soon!

Jeff: Thank you I appreciate it!