Kevin McReynolds joined the Mets in Flushing before the 1987 season, offering a calm, understated contrast to their often loud clubhouse. Traded from San Diego in a major eight-player deal that sent Kevin Mitchell to the Padres, the quiet outfielder was signed by manager Davey Johnson to support Darryl Strawberry and the defending World Series Champions in the lineup. Unlike many teammates who attracted tabloid attention, McReynolds was a steady presence in left field, providing the Mets with a reliable power threat.
His initial campaign in pinstriped blue and orange validated the trade. McReynolds adapted quickly to Shea Stadium pressure, hitting 29 home runs, driving in 95 runs, and anchoring the middle of the order. He gained a reputation for deceptive athleticism, with a sturdy frame, elite range in the outfield corners, an accurate arm that nailed runners at the plate, and a highly analytical approach to running bases.
During the 1988 season, McReynolds's precise baserunning helped the Mets win the NL East. He stole 21 bases flawlessly, setting a major league record for most successful stolen bases in a season. He also hit .288 with 27 home runs and 99 RBIs, finishing third in NL MVP voting behind Kirk Gibson and Strawberry.
The high level of production stayed consistent over the following two summers. He surpassed 20 home runs for four straight years in New York, hitting 22 in 1989, a season in which he also hit for the cycle against St. Louis, and then adding 24 more in 1990. During this time, he was one of the National League's most underrated defensive players, frequently leading all left fielders in outfield assists and total chances.
As the team's championship window closed, his initial five-year tenure ended after the 1991 season, when the front office traded him to Kansas City in the deal that brought Bret Saberhagen to Queens. However, his relationship with the franchise came full circle in 1994, when the Royals traded him back to New York for a final, brief stint before he retired. He finished his time as a Met with 791 hits and 108 home runs.
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