The 3 most criminally underrated New York Mets in team history

3) Kevin McReynolds

Fans had two chances at McReynolds. The Mets made a blockbuster trade with the San Diego Padres to get him for the 1987 season, boosting their already potent lineup after the ’86 season. And then brought him back again after a brief time with the Kansas City Royals. Mets fans just never took to him.

McReynolds was a superb left fielder and a more than average centerfielder. He was steady, consistent, and reliable. He knew the game well and played it right. He played hard. So what’s not to love?

Well, McReynolds didn’t exactly fit in with the wild and rowdy Mets of the mid to late 80’s. He wasn’t loud, He wasn’t demonstrative. He didn’t run into walls or making amazing diving catches in the field. He didn’t have to. He was so adept at taking the correct routes to the balls that he made everything look so easy. And, for that, he paid the price. Mets fans were enamored with someone like that.

During his first five year stint, McReynolds averaged 23 home runs, and 87 RBI while hitting .265. He also stole some bases, and actually went 21 for 21 in 1988 after going 14 for 15 in 1987. He played an outstanding outfield while quietly providing support behind Darryl Strawberry and Howard Johnson in the Mets lineup.

And that was the problem…for Mets fans. His quiet demeanor made him appear aloof. McReynolds was accused of not hustling, and not caring. None of which was true. But in the world of Darryl Strawberrys, Dwight Goodens, Lenny Dykstras, and Roger McDowells, the fans unfairly let McReynolds know that he wasn’t quite welcome in their domain of demonstrative over indulgence.