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Outlook Jeff McNeil
Jeff McNeil's extended slump makes him a fantasy bench option despite a secure starting role in Oakland's infield.
Jeff McNeil is mired in a deep slump, batting just .111 over his last seven days and .182 over the past two weeks. Despite these struggles, his role as the everyday second baseman remains secure on the depth chart, especially with injuries to key Oakland infielders Maxwell Muncy and Jacob Wilson. He will look to spark a third-place Athletics team that currently sits at 28-31 in the standings.
Our season projection expects McNeil to settle around a .253 batting average and a .341 on-base percentage with 9 home runs. While his recent stretch is incredibly disappointing, his current .251 season average is right in line with expectations, suggesting his recent slide is more of a temporary cold streak than a permanent decline. However, since he offers minimal power or speed, he is difficult to roster when his batting average is not actively boosting your fantasy lineup.
The week ahead features a six-game road trip starting with three games against the Cubs and ending with three against the Astros. McNeil faces several vulnerable pitchers, including Jameson Taillon (5.37 ERA) and Tatsuya Imai (6.17 ERA), though a matchup with Shota Imanaga presents a tougher challenge. Given his frigid recent form, we recommend keeping him sidelined until he shows signs of life. Verdict: Sit.
Updated 3 days ago
