The Mets have something good in Jeff McNeil, even Dodgers manager Dave Roberts had to admit it.
McNeil, 27, the Mets' consistent batter and utility man in the field, has a skill set not many other players have. He can play just about anywhere, and can play it well.
Roberts, who was the manager of the National League squad at the 2019 MLB All-Star game which included McNeil, said that versatility makes the Met a rare talent.
"When you have a player capable and - just as vital - willing to be flexible around the diamond, it is invaluable. It helps you get matchups, give guys days off, double-switch easier. It really helps you win that day's game," Roberts told the New York Post. "Both sides of the ball, he doesn't take a play off. When you are trying to win a game, everything a guy like that brings makes it easier."
"He's a winning baseball player," Roberts added.
Entering Saturday's game against the Dodgers, McNeil took the field lined up in the outfield. He was hitting a .323 average entering the contest as well. In that category, McNeil has cooled down a bit since Roberts was his manager.
But McNeil has since added power to his game as he's up to 20 home runs on the year. Another element to his game.
As the 2019 season comes to an end and the Wild Card battle continues to heat up. The Mets will need McNeil to bring his entire bag of tricks, both on offense and defense, every single night, in order to crack the postseason.