The three most underrated power hitters in New York Mets history

2) Kevin McReynolds hit 122 home runs during his two stints with the New York Mets, placing him No. 11 on the team’s list

Kevin McReynolds was a quiet, unassuming type, and his “fly under the radar” demeanor was right in line with someone who would rather not be known as a “big bopper.” McReynolds was a very talented player out of the University of Arkansas, not quite a five-tool player, but close enough to it.

McReynolds had gotten off to a great start as a San Diego Padre, and was brought in as another offensive weapon to strengthen the team after the 1986 World Championship season, the trade that sent Kevin Mitchell out west.

A gifted athlete, McReynolds was an exceptional left fielder and an above-average centerfielder. He had a combination of power and speed, although he never entered the 30-30 club. He was more of a prototype gap-to-gap line drive hitter, his power was to the opposite field and into the gaps. Had McReynolds played in the current era, of launch angle and lifting the ball, perhaps he would have hit more out of the park. But his strength was obvious when he reliably averaged over 20 homers a season in an era that hitting 30 made you a superstar.

McReynolds came to the Mets when there was a lot going on, both on the field and off. The Mets of the mid ‘80’s were a bit wild and he never appeared very comfortable in New York. And since he went about his business in a quiet way, and didn’t hit long, towering home runs into the upper stratosphere, he didn’t get the respect that he truly deserved.

He would leave to play in a quieter, less scrutinized environment, only to return a few years later, for another whirl at sending some line drives through the wind currents at Shea.