The Top Ten New York Mets of All Time

The New York Mets, established in 1962, have had a rich history filled with legendary players. From dominant pitchers to clutch hitters, the Mets have built a legacy of excellence. This article ranks the ten greatest Mets of all time based on their impact, statistics, and contributions to the franchise.

10. Gary Carter (C, 1985–1989)

Nicknamed “The Kid,” Gary Carter was the emotional leader of the Mets’ 1986 World Series championship team. Acquired from the Montreal Expos, Carter brought a winning mentality to the Mets.

Key Achievements:

• 1986 World Series champion
• 4× All-Star as a Met
• 1985 Silver Slugger Award
• 1986 NLCS MVP performance (key home runs and leadership)

A Hall of Famer, Carter’s leadership behind the plate and clutch hitting cemented his place in Mets history.

Gary Carter Highlights

9. David Wright (3B, 2004–2018)

As the longest-serving captain in Mets history, David Wright was the face of the franchise for over a decade. He was a fan favorite and a consistent performer.

Key Achievements:

• 7× All-Star
• 2× Gold Glove Award winner
• 2× Silver Slugger Award winner
• Mets all-time leader in hits, runs, RBIs, and doubles

Despite injuries cutting his career short, Wright’s impact on the Mets remains legendary.

David Wright Career Highlights

8. Keith Hernandez (1B, 1983–1989)

A defensive wizard and clutch hitter, Keith Hernandez played a crucial role in the Mets’ success in the 1980s.

Key Achievements:

• 1986 World Series champion
• 6× Gold Glove winner with Mets
• Mets captain (first in franchise history)
• Key contributor to the 1986 championship team

Hernandez’s leadership and defensive prowess set the tone for the Mets’ golden era.

Keith Hernandez Greatest Highlights

7. Jerry Koosman (LHP, 1967–1978)

Overshadowed at times by Tom Seaver, Jerry Koosman was a dominant pitcher in his own right and was instrumental in the Mets’ 1969 World Series victory.

Key Achievements:

• 1969 World Series champion
• Won two games in the 1969 World Series
• 140 wins as a Met (second all-time)

Koosman’s postseason heroics and consistency make him one of the greatest Mets pitchers ever.

Jerry Koosman Tribute

6. Carlos Beltrán (OF, 2005–2011)

One of the most complete players in Mets history, Carlos Beltrán combined power, speed, and defense at an elite level.

Key Achievements:

• 5× All-Star as a Met
• 3× Gold Glove winner
• 2× Silver Slugger winner
• 41-home run season in 2006

Though his 2006 NLCS strikeout left a bitter memory, Beltrán’s overall performance with the Mets was exceptional.

Carlos Beltran Career Highlights

5. Darryl Strawberry (OF, 1983–1990)

A power-hitting sensation, Darryl Strawberry was one of the most feared sluggers of the 1980s.

Key Achievements:

• 1986 World Series champion
• 7× All-Star as a Met
• Mets all-time leader in home runs (252)
• 1988 NL home run leader (39)

Strawberry’s combination of power and speed made him one of the most dynamic players in Mets history.

Darryl Strawberry Career Highlights

4. Mike Piazza (C, 1998–2005)

The greatest offensive catcher in MLB history, Mike Piazza was the heart and soul of the Mets for nearly a decade.

Key Achievements:

• 7× All-Star as a Met
• 2000 NL champion
• 2001 emotional post-9/11 home run
• Mets all-time leader in slugging percentage (.542)

Piazza’s clutch hitting and leadership revitalized the Mets in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Best of Mike Piazza

3. Dwight “Doc” Gooden (RHP, 1984–1994)

One of the most dominant pitchers in baseball history, Doc Gooden’s early years were electrifying.

Key Achievements:

• 1986 World Series champion
• 1984 NL Rookie of the Year
• 1985 NL Cy Young Award winner
• 24-4 record with a 1.53 ERA in 1985 (one of the best seasons ever)

Gooden’s dominance in the 1980s was legendary, though off-field struggles affected his longevity.

‘Doctor K’ | Dwight Gooden Prime Highlights

2. Jacob DeGrom (RHP, 2014–2022)

A modern pitching legend, Jacob deGrom’s dominance on the mound was nothing short of historic.

Key Achievements:

• 2× NL Cy Young Award winner (2018, 2019)
• 2014 NL Rookie of the Year
• 4× All-Star as a Met
• 1.70 ERA in 2018 (best in modern Mets history)

DeGrom’s combination of elite velocity, control, and dominance puts him among the all-time greats.

Jacob DeGrom | 2021 Mets Highlights ᴴᴰ

1. Tom Seaver (RHP, 1967–1977, 1983)

There is no debate—Tom Seaver is the greatest Met of all time. Known as “The Franchise,” he was the face of the team’s first World Series-winning squad.

Key Achievements:

• 1969 World Series champion
• 3× NL Cy Young Award winner
• 12× All-Star
• 311 career wins (198 with the Mets)
• No. 41 retired by the Mets

Seaver’s impact on the Mets transcends statistics—he turned the franchise into a winner.

Tom Seaver Highlights

Honorable Mentions:

• José Reyes – All-time Mets leader in stolen bases
• Ed Kranepool – Longest-tenured Met (18 seasons)
• John Franco – All-time Mets leader in saves
• Mookie Wilson – Hero of the famous Game 6 in 1986

Final Thoughts

The New York Mets have had their share of legendary players, but Tom Seaver stands above the rest as the franchise’s greatest icon. Whether through pitching dominance, clutch hitting, or leadership, these ten players helped shape the Mets’ legacy.

Who’s your favorite Met of all time? Let’s discuss!

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