In many boring ways, Danny Mendick is your prototypical utility player. He’s played every position except catcher and first base in his major league career. He’s beloved by old school managers and his teammates in the clubhouse. His career offensive line (.251/.309/.366, 87 wRC+) and defensive metrics (no better than +1 OAA at any position in his career) leave something to be desired. There’s more under the surface here, though, both in terms of the player and the process by which he made his way to the Mets, and he’s in line to play a subtle but important role for the 2023 team.