Dash Winningham was drafted by the Mets in the 8th round in 2014 out of Trinity Catholic High School in Ocala, Florida. The 20-year old lefty first basemen had a powerful season for the Kingsport Mets tying for the league lead with 12 homeruns and led the league with 51 RBI. He hit .266/.310/.479 in 267 at bats for the Mets rookie level affiliate in his 2nd pro season.

Mike: First off want to congratulate you on a fantastic season! What was it like to be part of a great team this year that made it to the playoffs?

Dash: It was awesome being apart of it. We had great chemistry and overall a great year. Came up a little short, but there will definitely be high expectations for everyone next season.  Great group of teammates.

Mike: Can you tell me some of your teammates that impressed you the most on the field?

Dash: Everyone had great seasons, it’s hard to pick one or a couple. I believe the whole starting lineup improved a lot from this season

Mike: You ended up tying for the homerun title in the Appalachian League, is that something you paid attention to at all?

Dash: I never really try to set individual goals because it’s a distraction from the team. But I did throughout the season know and same as RBI.

Mike: Do you follow the Major League team at all?

Dash: I’ve been this whole postseason. They’ve been playing very well!

Mike: Have you gotten the chance to beat Daniel Murphy being from the same area?

Dash: Yes I have. Saw him a lot in spring training and had a private workout with him before I got drafted at Jacksonville University. Tremendous player with a lot of intelligence.

Mike: Did you talk hitting with him at all?

Dash: Yes I did, he always told me to always just try and simplify everything. Minimize the strike zone and swing at strikes. He told me a while ago that the only reason he still has his job is that “I can barrel up balls consistently” and that’s the name of the game.

Mike: Have you ever had a hot stretch at the plate like Murph is on right now? And what is that feeling like when you now during a streak that the pitcher is trying to pitch around?

Dash: I probably haven’t been on a hot streak like Murph is on now. He is absolutely locked in and on a tear. But I’ve had some good streaks. I had a 3 week stretch where I was doing a lot of damage. One of the series during that stretch was against the Pulaski Yankees and I had a Series to remember. Three homeruns, a couple doubles and probably close to 10 RBI.

Mike: What do you think you need to improve on to take the next step in your development?

Dash: I believe just to continue to mature and develop a better approach. I had some strikeouts this year and I want to have a lower strikeout ratio and that comes with a better approach. Defensively, I just want to continue to get better around the bag with my footwork and expecting a bad throw. This is a game of adjustments so everyday you have to try and work at something that will make your game better.

Mike: Do the Mets have a certain approach at the plate that they want throughout the organization?

Dash: Pretty much to be aggressive and swing at fastballs in the zone early. It’s definitely an aggressive approach that they want us to have.

Mike: What are you doing this offseason to get ready for next season?

Dash: I’ll be doing a workout program down in Port St Lucie called Barwis Methods. A select few minor leaguers will be down there starting this week until near thanksgiving time. The second session will start after New Years and go on until close to spring training. That January session will also have the big leaguers down. This is my first year doing the Barwis training.

Mike: Thanks for taking all my questions, good luck next year and LGM!

Dash: Thank you! And yes, LGM!