Dash Winningham, who the Mets drafted out of high school during the 8th round of the 2014 draft, enters the season as one of the most promising power hitters in the Mets’ minor league system.
The 20-year old first baseman blasted 12 home runs in 290 plate appearances for the Kingsport Mets, tying for league lead in the Appalachian League. He also posted an impressive .266/.310/.479 triple slash line to go along with 51 RBI and 19 doubles.
Winningham says that he’s in great shape after training really hard during the offseason with Barwis Methods at the Mets Training Complex in Port St. Lucie, and he believes he’s poised for an even better year.
On Thursday, I talked with Winningham about his successes and what he needs to do to keep making progress in the minor leagues.
Q: When the Mets drafted you in the 8th round of the 2014 draft, how did you find out about the news?
A: Area scout John Updike called to tell me that I was just drafted. I was also following the draft on the computer at my draft party. I saw my name come up on the screen when the Mets made their pick.
I made my decision to sign with the Mets quickly. We had a pretty good relationship throughout my senior year, and they invited me to a private workout. Daniel Murphy was also there.
Q: Did you talk to Murphy?
A: Yeah, it was pretty unique working with him. He definitely has an idea of the business, and he’s a very good contact hitter. It was great watching him hit like he did in the postseason.
Q: What was it like playing for the Kingsport Mets, who won the western division in the Appalachian league?
It was awesome. We had a great group of hard working players. It felt like home, and the fans treated me really well. It was a fun experience.
Q: Who were the players/coaches that stood out to you the most on the team?
A: Everyone all around did well. Pat Mazeika, an 8th round pick, Kevin Kaczmarski, Milton Ramos and Luis Carpio all stood out. It was a great group of players overall, but we just came up a little short in the playoffs.
Q: Your numbers were much improved in 2015. Can you talk about some of the adjustments you made from your first year?
I had a much better idea at the plate. I was more patient. It felt like a good year power wise. I was getting a little too aggressive at times, falling behind counts, but overall it was a good year.
Q: Besides hitting for power, what are some of your other strengths?
My defense has gotten a lot better. I’m a lot more mobile now than I was last year. The Barwis Methods I did back in October improved my speed and agility. I feel like this is really going to help me mid-to late in the season. Last year my hips were super tight during the end of the year, but I now feel like I’m 100 percent.
Q: What areas of the game do you need to keep improving on?
Making better adjustments at the plate and having a better approach. I feel like I’m going to improve a lot, and have a breakout year because I’m developing a better routine. I lost 16 pounds this offseason. I went from 235 down to 218, which I feel is a great playing weight for me.
Q: How closely did you follow the major league team last year?
A: I followed them throughout the playoffs and watched every game for sure. I followed them during the regular season too.
Q: Who was your favorite player/team growing up?
The St. Louis Cardinals were the team I grew up watching. They were always consistent and won a lot of games.
My favorite player was David Ortiz. I liked the way he was a big clutch hitter, who always came up big to help the Red Sox win. He’s a power guy like me, and drives in a lot of runs. He’s also a good leader, one of the captains, and a good teammate.
Q: Tell us something about yourself that most Met fans wouldn’t know.
There’s not any real meaning to my name. My parents just thought “Dash Winningham” sounded cool.
Q: If you could have dinner with any three historical figures, who would you choose?
I’d probably have to go with Babe Ruth, Jackie Robinson, and Mickey Mantle.
Q: What was the last movie you streamed?
Honestly, I don’t watch a lot of movies, but I think the last one I saw was “Straight Outta Compton”.
Q: Favorite ballpark food?
A: Philly Cheese Steak
Q: Every Met has an At-Bat song. What will yours be?
A: Sunset by Kid Ink.
Q: Thank you again for your time. Is there anything else that you want to add?
A: I’m excited for the season, and I’m looking forward to having a great year. Hopefully, I’ll be able to help the Mets win a World Series in the future, and I hope they win one as soon as this season.
(Photo: Jessica Rudman)
