New York Mets players are convinced that “Jeff McHits” can win a batting title

Winning a batting title is more than just showing talent in the batter’s box. It requires endurance, bat-to-ball skills, bat control, consistency, and a little bit of luck, too. The last New York Mets‘ player to win it was Jose Reyes back in 2011.

If there is a player on the current Mets’ roster that has shown capable of finishing the season with the top batting average in the National League, it is Jeff McNeil. The infielder/outfielder has a fantastic .321 average in 815 career plate appearances.

His .318 mark last season was close to that of batting champion Christian Yelich, who finished at .329. Could McNeil be the first player of the New York Mets to win a batting title since the great Reyes?

“I think he’s fully more than capable. He’s Jeff McHits,” Pete Alonso told The New Post. “I would not be surprised if he were to win a batting title one day. He’s extremely dynamic at the plate. He’s probably just as tough of an out as they come. He very well could. I hope he does. I hope he wins more than one.”

Not only is McNeil a threat to knock base hits at a higher rate than the average, he has also developed power. Last season, he hit 23 homers and tied with Pete Alonso for the team lead in wRC+ (143 each.)

The Mets’ hitting machine

As the Post says, McNeil has proven he belongs not only in the Mets’ plans, but also, in the MLB’s elite when it comes to contact hitters.

“It was always kind of a goal of mine in the minor leagues. I always wanted to be the best hitter,” McNeil said. “I like to see my name at the top in average.”

“I think his competitiveness as a player, as a person, I think that’s gonna get him over the hump,” fellow New York Mets player Dominic Smith said. “He’s a perfectionist. He’ll go 3-for-4, and on his fourth at-bat not get a hit, and he’ll be upset.

“He’ll eventually win a batting title because his hand-eye coordination, bat-to-ball skills are off the charts, and he finds holes. If you come inside, he’ll pull you, if you go away, he’ll slap it that way. He’s very hard to defend, he can lay down bunts, he’s pretty fast, so it makes it tough on a defense.”