PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Mets centerfielder Jose Siri has only been with the team since Saturday, but he’s already fitting right in.

On Thursday, NJ Advance Media spoke with the Mets’ new outfielder at his locker at Clover Park. There, he revealed the meaning behind the lightning bolt, a recurring symbol around Siri’s person, and what he’s been working on this offseason.

Regarding the lightning bolt, Siri, who has the symbol tattooed on his arm, says, “That’s what people call me.”

“El Rayo,” in Spanish, Siri reveals he earned the lightning bolt nickname because he’s a fast runner. His Baseball Savant page backs up the claim, ranking him in the 99th percentile in spring speed at 29.9 feet per second, which is ninth in MLB.

The 29-year-old outfielder also covers a lot of ground in one of the toughest positions in the game, center field. His 40 outs above average, since becoming a regular centerfielder in 2022, ranks No. 1 in all of baseball.

Despite the flashy nickname and his plus running and fielding skills, Siri had a lot to improve in the offseason. He didn’t need to be asked, bringing up the subject of hitting on his own.

“I’ve changed the way I hit this offseason and I feel much more comfortable now,” Siri volunteered. “I’m in a better position to make swings, which is one of the things that I’ve tried focusing on this offseason.”

Last season, Siri had one of his worst offensive seasons in the big leagues. He posted the second-lowest batting average (.187) and had the highest strikeout percentage (37.9%) among hitters with a minimum of 400 plate appearances.

“He wants to make more contact. He wants to put the ball in play,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said. “Like I said, there’s power there. There’s room for improvement there (like) controlling the strike zone, making some better swing decisions. … if we, if he can do that, I think we’ll see better, better results.”

In November, the Mets . His role will look a lot like Harrison Bader’s last season, splitting time with Tyrone Taylor in centerfield.

Siri’s playing time will largely be dictated by how well he hits. Fortunately, he’s landed on a team looking to match its revolutionary pitching lab for hitters.

“I haven’t been to the lab yet,” Siri said. “But, yes, I intend to go. I’ve also had the benefit of being around Juan (Soto) and talking about hitting.”

Asked how Soto likes his hitting so far, Siri said, “He says I look good.”

“Says I look well established and in a good position.”