1 Mets player unexpectedly showing his value to the team

While the New York Mets made multiple high-profile moves this past winter, it's always been a common theme with championship teams that sometimes the more under-the-radar moves that are made are the ones that end up making just as much of a difference. One of those players who has provided value to the Mets through the first two weeks of the season is outfielder Tim Locastro.

It wasn't that long ago when it seemed that the final spot on the Mets roster was between both Locastro and former Met Darin Ruf. Locastro had far and away the better spring and deservedly made the roster over Ruf who had struggled mightily since being acquired at last year's Trade Deadline.

Tim Locastro is providing the Mets with value off the bench early on in the season

While performance was a key part of Locastro making the ballclub, he also offers another element off of the bench that the Mets did not have, and that element is speed. Locastro has provided his value as a late-inning pinch runner, and while he only has had one start at this point in the season back on April 2nd, he did get on base twice and scored 2 runs in that game.

At this point in the season, Locastro has 2 runs scored to go along with 2 stolen bases. While the sample size is small, the 30-year-old Locastro will continue to function as a speed threat for the Mets off the bench and as an occasional starter to give Brandon Nimmo or Starling Marte a day off.

The Mets were missing a spark on the basepaths last season, especially later in games and I believe Locastro has filled that role swimmingly to this point in the season. He is a true 26th man on the Mets' current roster and will have plenty more opportunities as the season progresses to add to his runs scored total.