Former Met Todd Frazier took some time out of his Tuesday to delve into numerous topics on SNY's Instagram Live with Justine Ward, and one of them was the answer to this question: What other Mets hitter stood out to you last season?
The answer was quick and concise: Jeff McNeil.
A contact-first hitter with surprising pop in his bat, McNeil truly impressed Frazier with what he did in a season where he slashed .318/.384/.531 with 23 homers and 75 RBI. He's such a tough out at the top of the lineup, especially when there's two strikes on him and he chokes up on the handle of his bat.
McNeil has become a staple of the Mets' lineup now, and Frazier had to tip his cap to him for seeing what he produced in 2019.
"Jeff McNeil is unbelievable," said the veteran third baseman, who is now with the Texas Rangers. "The way he puts the bat on the ball is something special. He's someone who's very impressive. I want him to keep doing that every year. I hope they find one position for him, so he can flourish from here on out."
As Frazier mentions about a permanent role in the field, McNeil's natural position is second base. But GM Brodie Van Wagenen brought in Robinson Cano, who can only play second base. It's no matter now, though, because McNeil will be primarily at third base this season after moving around the outfield and infield last year.
And McNeil will be featured at third exclusively because Frazier is now with the Rangers after the Mets didn't pursue him in free agency.
This season was expected to be one where McNeil took an even bigger stride forward and proved that he wasn't going to come back down to Earth anytime soon. And Frazier admitted he'd like to see him in that leadoff spot like he was most of the time last season when Brandon Nimmo was out.
"I think in the beginning of the year, yeah," Frazier said when asked if he'd bat McNeil in that leadoff spot. "See how it goes. You want to get your best guy up as many times as possible. He's an on-base machine, so yeah."
If and when there is a 2020 season, maybe Mets manager Luis Rojas will feel the same way. But no matter what, Frazier knows McNeil will continue flourishing in Queens.
Video: The Cookie Club with J.D. and Dom: McNeil is here!