Over the course of the next month, LWOSports will be breaking down the top five Major League Baseball players in franchise history for all 30 teams. This article will rank the best five players from least to best by who had the biggest impact for the New York Mets. You can check out the other series articles here.
Top Five New York Mets Players in Franchise History
5. Jose Reyes
Jose Reyes has played 15 years in the majors and 12 of those have been with the Mets during two different stints. Reyes made his debut for the New York Mets in 2003. Jose Reyes made a huge statement for the Mets when he was first called up to the majors. Reyes is a four-time all-star, silver slugger award winner, NL batting champion, three-time NL stolen base leader, and a four-time NL triples leader. Jose is the all-time leader in triples and stolen bases for the Mets franchise. Reyes was one of the youngest players to ever start for the New York Mets and made his mark on the franchise over the years.
4. Mike Piazza
Mike Piazza played for five teams over his career but played for the New York Mets for eight seasons which is his longest stint with any team. Piazza was one of the greatest offensive catchers of all time with the remarkable numbers he was able to put up. Piazza recorded 427 total home runs in his career while having a batting average of .308 and driving in over 1,300 runs in his career. Piazza was a 12-time all-star, NL rookie of the year in 1993, and ten-time silver slugger award winner which is remarkable for a catcher in the big leagues. Mike’s number 31 was retired by the New York Mets and he was also inducted into the New York Mets hall of fame. Piazza was also inducted into the baseball hall of fame in 2016 on his fourth ballot which is an enormous honor for Piazza.
3. Darryl Strawberry
Darryl Strawberry debuted for the New York Mets in 1983 and played for New York for the next eight seasons. Strawberry was a feared slugger in the majors due to his presence in the batter’s box as he stood 6’6” and had a swing that could cover the whole plate. Strawberry helped the New York Mets to the 1986 World Series which they would eventually end up winning. In his career, he was an eight-time all-star, NL rookie of the year, two-time silver slugger award winner, and the NL home run leader in 1988. The one downfall for Strawberry’s career was that he was suspended by the league three different times for violating the substance abuse policy which halted him from being one of the greats in history. Darryl was elected into the New York Mets hall of fame but due to his suspensions, many don’t see Strawberry ever getting enough votes to be elected into the baseball hall of fame.
2. Dwight Gooden
Dwight Gooden debuted for the New York Mets in 1984 and played the next 11 seasons for the Mets as well. Gooden was nicknamed “the Doc” due to his precision on the mound and how he would carve up the opposing teams. Over his career, Gooden would pitch 430 career games accounting for 2,800 innings and a record of 194-112 with a 3.51 ERA and almost 2,300 strikeouts. Gooden was a four-time all-star, NL Cy Young award winner in 1985, triple crown winner, NL rookie of the year, silver slugger award winner, MLB wins and ERA leader in 1985, and two time MLB strikeout leader. Gooden leads the Mets to a World Series title in 1986 when the Mets were at the top of the majors. Gooden had his career cut short due to his addiction to cocaine and alcohol which resulted in him not becoming one of the greatest ever. Dwight was selected into the New York Mets hall of fame due to his remarkable numbers in New York and how he changed the landscape of the franchise.
1. Tom Seaver
Tom Seaver made his debut for the New York Mets in 1967 and played the next 11 seasons with the Mets with a second short stint coming back for one year in 1983. Seaver finished his career with a record of 311-205 with a 2.86 ERA and over 3,600 strikeouts which is remarkable. Seaver is a 12-time all-star, world series champion, three-time NL Cy Young award winner, NL rookie of the year, three-time NL wins and ERA leader, and a five-time NL strikeout leader. Seaver was the key piece in the Mets 1969 championship season with his outstanding performance. Seaver’s number 41 was retired by the New York Mets and he was elected into the New York Mets hall of fame. In 1992 he was elected into the baseball hall of fame on his first ballot with almost 100% of the votes which is why Seaver will go down as one of the greatest pitchers in league history.
Last Word
The New York Mets had a couple years in the mid to late 80’s where they were one of the best teams in baseball due to their pitching staff. Two of their best players of all time were pitchers from that era and were some of the best pitchers in league history. The Mets have only won two world series titles in their franchise history and most of their all-time players were a part of those teams. You can check out our other player rankings here.
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