When Jeff McNeil won the Major League Striker in 2022, it was the signature achievement of his illustrious career. He would never wish to retract that achievement.

However, behind this achievement lies the seeds of problems that later plagued him. McNeil was so good at hitting the ball inside that he began to focus on that ability rather than hitting it hard. He began to swing the pitcher's ball more often, "looking for hits" instead of waiting for a speedball that could hit hard. He ignores the fact that baseball is increasingly de-emphasizing batting rate — the cornerstone of his career.

More than a year and a half later, when his batting average hovered around 0.200, McNeil finally realized that a change was needed. He adjusted his striking strategy to focus on increasing power, even if it meant sacrificing strike chance.

After doing so, McNeil's level improved.

His goodbye first run hit in Tuesday's 10th inning not only led the Mets to a 5-4 comeback over the Nationals at Citi Field, but also continued to prove the right way to adjust his strategy. In 36 games, McNeil's Attack Index (OPS) was 0.891, the highest since 2019. In the last 11 matches, he has been even better, hitting three measurements of 0.341/0.378/0.707. He swung harder, resulting in an increase in average bat speed, and those powerful shots began to form more hits.

"You just want to be yourself," McNeil said, "and I feel like that's who I am, and I'm going to keep it up." ”

McNeil's presence in Tuesday's lineup is a testament to the growing confidence of Mets head coach Carlos Mendoza. Just on Sunday, Mendoza also said he wanted rookie Luisangel Acuña to get a rare start in the infield. A starter from left-handed pitcher MacKenzie Gore seemed like a fitting opportunity. But by Tuesday, Mendoza had McNeil's name on the lineup, and he understood the value of keeping in-form hitters in the lineup.

McNeil immediately justified the decision when he hit a first-run hit from the first base. He hit powerful flyballs out on the next two occasions, while New York's offense was mostly mediocre around him. But Juan Soto's home run in the third inning gave the Mets life, and then Soto and Pete Alonso hit back-to-back hits in the eighth inning to tie the score. After scoreless' innings nine and ten, McNeil had a chance to end the game with a bat in the bottom half of the tenth.

As if to prove that he was still the same Jeff, McNeil swung the first shot at rescue pitcher Cole Henry. But it was a good shot for a shot, 94 mph, right in the middle. McNeil hooked the ball to the right field and easily allowed Acuña to score from second base.

"I'm just looking for any ball that can hit the right side," said McNeil, who knows that even rolling the ball out or flying the ball out can keep the runner going. 'I think they might want to shoot a fastball from the outside corner, so I'm leaning a little bit over there.

Today, the Mets are not short of offensive weapons. Soto is finding his form after a mediocre first two months as a Mets player. Alonso is on a hot streak again. Francisco Lindor batted as if he didn't break his toe.

But if McNeil can maintain his recent performances, it will make the line dangerously long. That could also give the Metropolitans some clarity on the inside of the field, which has so far rotated between Acuña, Mark Vientos, Brett Baty and Ronny Mauricio. Although McNeil is not short of playing time, it is mainly because of his defensive versatility. He is no longer fixed to second base as he used to.

Despite this, Mendoza has always shown that he practices meritocracy. When Betty was in hot form, he was able to get into the lineup most nights, even against a left-handed pitcher. The same goes for Acuña, Vientos and, more recently, Mauricio.

Now, as the Mets' second-longest-tenured player, McNeil has a chance to reassert himself as a central member of this offensive team.

'A very good player and a good hitter,' Mendoza said of him. "When he's in good shape, he's a very good hitter."