Top 20 Best New York Mets Players Ranked: See Who Made the Cut

Discover the top 20 best New York Mets players who shaped the franchise's legacy with pitching greatness and offensive prowess.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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This article ranks the top 20 best players in New York Mets history, highlighting their individual talents and contributions that have defined the franchise over its 63-season history. From pitching legends like Tom Seaver and Jacob deGrom to offensive standouts like David Wright and Pete Alonso, the list showcases the Mets' blend of elite talent on the mound and at the plate.

Why it matters

The New York Mets, while lacking a long history of dominant teams, have produced numerous individual stars who have left an indelible mark on the franchise. Identifying and ranking the 20 best Mets players provides valuable insight into the team's legacy and the specific talents that have elevated the organization over the decades.

The details

The article delves into the careers and accomplishments of the top 20 Mets players, including their statistical achievements, individual awards, and key moments that defined their tenures with the team. From Tom Seaver's three Cy Young Awards and role in the 1969 World Series triumph to David Wright's franchise records and beloved status as captain, the details highlight the diverse array of talent that has graced the Mets' roster.

  • The article was published on February 19, 2026.
  • It covers the Mets' 63-season history, with the most recent player mentioned being Pete Alonso, who signed with the Baltimore Orioles after the 2025 season.

The players

Tom Seaver

Widely regarded as the greatest player in Mets history, Seaver was a dominant pitcher who spent 12 seasons with the team, winning three Cy Young Awards and leading the National League in ERA three times. He was the driving force behind the Mets' 1969 World Series triumph and is immortalized with a statue outside Citi Field.

David Wright

Wright embodies the best position player development the Mets have ever seen, holding franchise records in Wins Above Replacement (bWAR), hits, total bases, and RBIs. He became a beloved captain and enduring symbol of the Mets, with his No. 5 jersey officially retired in 2025.

Jacob deGrom

deGrom's rise to stardom began when the Mets called him up in 2014, and he quickly transitioned into a dominant ace, winning back-to-back Cy Young Awards in 2018 and 2019. His unparalleled 2021 season, marked by a 1.08 ERA in 15 starts, ranks among the most dominant pitching performances in MLB history.

Dwight Gooden

Gooden burst onto the scene in the 1980s with unmatched velocity and control, earning the nickname "Dr. K." He was a runner-up for the NL Cy Young Award in 1984 before delivering one of the greatest pitching seasons ever in 1985 as a 20-year-old, playing a crucial role in the Mets' 1986 World Series title.

Darryl Strawberry

Strawberry's eight seasons with the Mets were marked by consistent All-Star performances, with seven appearances and an NL Rookie of the Year title in his debut season. He held the franchise record for home runs until 2025 and was a cornerstone of the 1986 championship team.

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The takeaway

This ranking of the top 20 best New York Mets players highlights the franchise's rich history of individual talent, from dominant pitchers like Tom Seaver and Jacob deGrom to offensive standouts like David Wright and Pete Alonso. While the Mets may lack a long history of dominant teams, the players on this list have left an indelible mark on the organization, inspiring hope for the team's future.