This year wasn’t the exception to that trend. From the New York Mets signing Kodai Senga to a massive dealto Cody Bellinger getting MVP-kind of money, it seems like you never know what’s going on in this league.

And with Carlos Correa’s last-second move to Queens, this offseason might as well have been one of the craziest in recent times. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the most shocking transactions.

MLB News: The Most Shocking Offseason Moves

3. Xander Bogaerts

While it wasn’t shocking to see multiple teams interested in Xander Bogaerts, the fact that he joined the San Diego Padres,of all teams, was a major surprise. I mean, how many shortstops do they need?

The Padres are trying to build a contender by any means necessary, and spending big money on superstars is sure a step in that direction. But you have to wonder whether this was the right fit for both parties.

2. Jacob deGrom

Most people were on the fence about Jacob deGrom. 50% thought he was a lock to be back with the New York Mets, while the other 50% was sure he was going to end up with the Atlanta Braves.

So, it was shocking to see the Texas Rangers coming out of the left field to snatch the best pitcher in baseball to a mega deal. Hopefully, he’ll stay healthy and will be able to live up to that contract.

1. Carlos Correa

Obviously, Carlos Correa’s deal has to be the biggest surprise. He had already agreed to a 13-yearmega-deal with the San Francisco Giants. Then, out of the blue, they postponed his press conference due to health concerns.

But apparently, Steve Cohen wasn’t concerned at all. He gave Correa a 12-year contract to get the superstar shortstop to the New York Mets. So, what actually happened? What popped up in his medical? I guess we’ll never know.

Brian Cashman needs to fix the mediocrity spiral he’s gotten the team into. That means spending big and spending well, digging into the free agency pool to sign the best players available.

With that in mind, theBronx Bombersare reportedly keeping tabs on a well-known neighbor. Apparently, they’re checking in on Jacob deGrom, who’s also being scouted by the Atlanta Braves and Texas Rangers.

MLB Rumors: Yankees Checking In On Jacob deGrom

“The Yankees have requested medical information on Jacob deGrom, according to SNY, though the report comes with the caveat that this doesn’t necessarily mean the Yankees are going to pursue deGrom in free agency. It seems as though this is merely a due-diligence-type request,” CBS reported.

“The Yankees’ top priority this offseason remains bringing Aaron Judge back. Until then, they’ll likely continue to work backup, contingency plans that they hope won’t be needed,” the report added.

Mets Could Pursue Justin Verlander

The Mets are confident in their ability to re-sign deGrom to a long-term deal sooner rather than later. However, Steve Cohen won’t sleep on his laurelsand is reportedly ready to pursue Justin Verlander as an alternative:

“As SNY first reported, the Mets are considering Justin Verlander as an alternative to deGrom,” Andy Martino reported.“The Athletic reported on Sunday that Verlander met with the Mets via Zoom last week.”

“Sources said that both that meeting and the one with free agent pitcher Kodai Senga went well — but what else would we expect to hear? It’s not like people tend to turn over tables and storm out of these types of meetings. The conversations go ‘well.’ Anyway, the Mets are hopeful that deGrom will choose them, but of course have to explore alternatives,”the report added.

It shouldn’t take long before both Aaron Judge and Jacob deGrom announce their next destinations, although most people around MLB circles believe they’ll wind up staying with their respective teams.

Year after year, some of the best hurlers on Earth switch sides, either because they’re looking for a bigger role, a more lucrative payday, or a chance to win that highly-coveted Commissioner’s Trophy.

This offseason won’t be the exception to that rule, as we expect multiple stars to find new homes by the end of the winter. So, here, we’ll let you know about the top 3 best pitchers available in free agency.

MLB Rumors: The 3 Best Pitchers Available In Free Agency

3. Carlos Rodon

While some thought his 2021 campaign with the Chicago White Sox was misleading, Carlos Rodon has once again proved to be an elite hurler in this league. He was the only bright spot for the San Francisco Giants this season.

The 30-year-old has strung back-to-back solid campaigns together and is now in line to get the biggest payday of his career. He’s poised, often in control, and still has plenty left in the tank, so we should be looking at a multi-year deal.

2. Justin Verlander

Talking about guys who still have plenty left in the tank, Justin Verlander enters the offseason in a prime position to make even more money. Even at his age, he’s still one of the top 5 pitchers on Earth.

Verlander was even able to put his World Series woes behind him with his first career win in a WS last season. He had one of the best years of his career, even though he was coming off a major injury.

1. Jacob deGrom

New York Mets fans will not bat an eye until Steve Cohen makes sure to bring Jacob deGrom back. He’s the best pitcher in the world when healthy, although he hasn’t been healthy as often as they’d like him to.

DeGrom is as dominant as he is spectacular. Even with the injury risk, he deserves to be the highest-paid starting pitcher on Earth, and multiple teams will make sure to make him an offer he cannot reject.

But way beyond the final outcome, the 2022 season had some historical moments we’ll never forget. And while it may have been disappointing to some, there’s still the hope to get better for next season.

With that in mind, multiple organizations are set to break the bank and make some big investments in the winter. That’s why here, we’ll let you know about three superstars that could switch sides for 2023.

MLB Rumors: 3 Superstars Who Could Change Teams

3. Justin Verlander

Justin Verlander shut down all the doubters this season. Despite his age and being fresh off a major injury, the veteran hurler turned back the clock to have one of the best campaigns of his career.

So, Verlander could opt out of the final year of his contract and take a page out of Max Scherzer’s book. There will certainly be a big market for a durable, proven veteran who just earned Cy Young honors and a World Series ring.

2. Jacob deGrom

Jacob deGrom made it clear that he planned to opt out of the final years of his contract with the New York Mets. And even though he never shut down the possibility of coming back, he’s still likely to explore the market.

There will always be some durability concerns after injury-riddled campaigns. But deGrom is the best pitcher in the world when healthy, and teams like theAtlanta Braveswill be glad to break the bank just to get him.

1. Aaron Judge

Some never thought Aaron Judge was really going to leave the Bronx. But the season ended on a low note for the New York Yankees, and reports state that he was quite hurt after being booed by his own fans.

Judge is coming off one of the greatest seasons not only in Yankees history, but also in the history of this beautiful sport. He bet on himself and it paid off, so he might want to take the money from a contender to finally be a part of aWorld Series run.

deGrom was on the verge of one of the greatest seasons in baseball history before cutting his campaign short due to injury. It took him a while, but he’s shown no signs of rust or slowing down since he came back.

But not everything’s good news for the New York Mets. The ace has let them know that he plans to opt-out of his contract in the offseason, which is why we’ll discuss the three likeliest landing spots for him.

MLB Rumors: 3 Potential Landing Spots For Jacob deGrom

3. Los Angeles Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers can offer more money than nearly every sports team in the world, so we know that won’t be an issue. Also, they need to fill in the voids ofClayton Kershaw, Andrew Heaney, Trevor Bauer, and Walker Buehler.

The Dodgers are always in the mix for the best players on Earth, so it would be naive to think they won’t reach out to the most dominant hurler in baseball. Whether he’ll move to the West Coast, that’s a whole different story.

2. Atlanta Braves

Joining a divisional rival doesn’t sound like something a guy like Jacob deGrom would do, especially after all he’s been through with the Mets. But this is a business, and the Atlanta Braves have been quite aggressive in terms of spending lately.

The reigning World Series champions have already put together a solid rotation, but the front office has been clear in its intention to add a world-class kind of ace. Also, some believe they could actually lead the race for his services if he opts out.

1. New York Mets

And, of course, there’s always the possibility that deGrom works out a new deal with the team he’s spent his entire career. The New York Mets can’t afford to let him walk, and it’s not just for baseball-related reasons.

Steve Cohen took over and vowed to turn the franchise around for good. Letting their best player go would send the wrong message. They’ve already committed an absurd amount of money to Max Scherzer, so they won’t hesitate to pay up for their superstar.

MLB’s free agency frenzy is always exciting. All major transactions are on hold while some of the best players choose their next destinations, and there’s always someone willing to one-up or outbid their current team.

With that in mind, some of the best players in the game could try and opt out of their current deals to get paid even more in the future. Here, we’re going to let you know the three best players that might do that next season.

MLB News: 3 Superstars That Could Become Free Agents

3. Carlos Correa

Carlos Correa was rumored to join the New York Yankees and Detroit Tigers before joining the Minnesota Twins. Still, he’s been tangled in rumors of an opt-out since the start of the season, and that hasn’tchanged the slightest.

The Twins have been better than expected and are still in the Wild Card race. They could even wind up winning their division. But if they go through another of their late-season meltdowns, then expect him to leave.

2. Nolan Arenado

Nolan Arenado should be at the top of the National League MVP race this season. He’s been as spectcular as always on defense, and is having one of the best offensive years of his career, even away from Coors Field.

The St. Louis Cardinals are trying to go all-in this season, as they’re not getting any younger. So, depending on how their offseason goes, the former Colorado Rockies superstar could pursue a new path.

1. Jacob deGrom

Jacob deGrom has already made it clear that he plans to opt out of his contract with the New York Mets. He’s the best pitcher in the game by a long stretch and should be paid as such once he becomes a free agent.

While deGrom has never hinted at leaving the Mets, the Atlanta Braves are reportedly ready to make him an offer he can’t refuse. deGrom is a spectacular player, and only injury could prevent him from getting a massive paycheck.

MLB teams are not shy to take out the checkbook and pay big wages on players they feel could get them to the World Series. The difference between the 25th and 1st place highest paid player is $13 million.

Below is the list of the 25 top earners of the MLB according to Spotrac, the list excludes Trevor Bauer who is on administrative leave. Stats and records as per this writing.

25. Joey Votto – $25 Million

The Cincinnati Reds lifer is on $25 million a year and has been a 5-time All-Star and has over 300 home runs, over 1,000 RBIs, and over 2,000 hits. Joey Votto in 2021 hit .266 with 36 home runs and 99 RBI.

24. Marcus Semien – $25 Million

The new Texas Rangers signing is on a seven-year $175 million contract with the club. Marcus Semien comes to Texas after only one season with the Blue Jays and an MVP season where he recorded 45 home runs, 102 RBIs and an MLB-leading 86 extra-base hits.

23. Justin Verlander – $25 Million

Justin Verlander is pure heat, the eight-time All-Star, World Series winner, and two-time Cy Young award winner is getting what he deserves with the Houston Astros. Justin Verlander has pitched three no hitters in his career.

22. Christian Yelich – $26 Million

Christian Yelich is a big-time slugger and a possible league MVP, with a track record of being a NL MVP (2018), Gold Glove Award (2014), 3- time Silver Slugger Award (2016, 2018, 2019), 2- time NL Hank Aaron Award (2018, 2019), 2- time NL batting champion (2018, 2019), 2- time Hit for the cycle (2018) and 30–30 club (2019).

21. Zack Wheeler – $26 Million

The 2021 National League strikeout leader is on a 5-year $118 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies. Wheeler has struck out over 1,000 batters and holds a 62-52 record.

20. Paul Goldschmidt – $26 Million

The St. Louis Cardinals first baseman is on a five-year contract worth $130 million, Paul Goldschmidt continues to be a clutch player winning the 2021 Gold Glove Award at first base, being the fifth Cardinal to win the award.

19. Freddie Freeman – $27 Million

The Dodgers first baseman is a World Series winner in 2021 and was a NL MVP back in 2020. Freddie Freeman has over 1,700 hits, 274 home runs, and over 900 RBIs. Freeman is known for his powerful swing and a unique tactic to change up when confronting pitchers.

18. Bryce Harper – $27.5 Million

The 2012 NL rookie of the year went from that to 2-time NL MVP, six time All-Star and NL home run leader in 2015. Bryce Harper is one of the best right fielders in the MLB.

17. Giancarlo Stanton – $29 Million

The New York Yankees slugger has over 1,300 hits and 349 home runs. Giancarlo Stanton during his career was a NL MVP and 2-time NL home run leader.

16. Jose Altuve – $29 Million

Astros second baseman José Altuve is a World Series winner and 7-time All-Star, he was also the AL MVP in 2017. Altuve has over 200 stolen bases and a .307 batting average.

15. George Springer – $29.6 Million

Outfielder George Springer is a World Series MVP and champion in 2017, he signed a six-year, $150 million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays.

14. Chris Sale – $30 Million

Chris Sale is one of the best pitchers in all of the MLB and well deserving of his $30 million salary. Just some of Sale’s accolades? 5.33 career strikeout-to-walk ratio and reached 2,000 strikeouts in the fewest innings (1,626.0 innings).

13. Miguel Cabrera – $32 Million

The Venezuelan hitting ace is just chalking up hits with the Detroit Tigers, joining the 3,000-hit club this season. A 2003 World Series champion and 11-time All-Star. Miguel Cabrera was also a 2- time AL MVP, and a 2-time winner of the Hank Aaron award.

12. David Price – $32 Million

David Price has an impressive 155-82 record, over 2,000 batters struck out, and more awards than some teams entire rosters combined.

11. Manny Machado – $32 Million

The San Diego Padres third baseman is a five-time All-Star, 2-time Gold Glove winner, over 1,400 hits, 250 home runs, and 751 RBI’s. Manny Machado is considered one of the best third basemen in all of the MLB.

10. Corey Seager – $33 Million

The 2020 World Series MVP and World Series winner just made a move to the Texas Rangers after bringing it home for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Corey Seager signed a 10-year, $325 million contract with the Texas Rangers the largest in team history.

9. Francisco Lindor – $34.1 Million

The New York Mets shortstop is one of the key players in the Amazin’s attack and defense, Francisco Lindor has a batting average of .278 and has hit 159 home runs and is a 4- time All- Star and an able base stealer.

8. Stephen Strasburg – $35 Million

The Washington Nationals lifer is on a mega 7-year deal worth $245 million. A bit of what Stephen Strasburg has brought to the table: 3-time All-Star (2012, 2016, 2017), World Series champion (2019), World Series MVP (2019), Silver Slugger Award (2012), NL wins leader (2019), NL strikeout leader (2014), Golden Spikes Award (2009), and Dick Howser Trophy (2009).

7. Nolan Arenado – $35 Million

The St. Louis Cardinals third baseman is a 5-time All-Star, 9-time Gold Glove Award winner and has over 270 home runs and 879 RBI’s. Nolan Arenado is a complete ball player who can catch, throw, and hit.

6. Carlos Correa – $35.1 Million

The Minnesota Twins shortstop has an impressive resume, having over 480 RBIs and 130 home runs. Carlos Correa is a 2- time All-Star (2017, 2021), World Series champion (2017), AL Rookie of the Year (2015) and Gold Glove Award (2021).

5. Gerrit Cole – $36 Million

The New York Yankees biggest ace Gerrit Cole is one of the highest paid pitchers in the MLB. Cole is a 4-time All-Star, AL ERA leader in 2019 and possesses an impressive record of 117-63.

4. Jacob deGrom – $36 Million

Jacob deGrom has a base salary of $27.5 million but with incentives and bonuses it is more towards $36 million. The New York Mets ace has been nothing but gold since 2014. A 4-time All-Star, National League rookie of the year, NL ERA leader, 2-time NL strikeout leader. Jacob deGrom is on a 5-year $137 million contract.

3. Anthony Rendon – $36.5 Million

The Los Angeles Angels third base man is a World Series winner, 2016 National League comeback player of the year, 2019 MLB RBI leader. Anthony Rendon has over 150 home runs and over 600 RBI’s in his MLB career.

2. Mike Trout – $37.1 Million

The center fielder is a franchise player with the Los Angeles Angels. Mike Trout has a batting average of .305 and over 300 home runs with over 1,400 hits. Trout has been a 9-time All-Star (2012–2019, 2021), 3-time AL MVP (2014, 2016, 2019), 8-time Silver Slugger Award (2012–2016, 2018–2020), and AL RBI leader (2014).

1. Max Scherzer – $43.3 Million

Ahead of everyone by a mile is Max Scherzer the new Met is just getting accustomed to Queens, but he has a three-year deal worth $130 million. Scherzer is the highest paid player in the MLB and is a World Series champion, 8-time All-Star, has struck out 250 batters in 5 consecutive seasons, and is a 3-time NL strikeout leader.

Limited to only fifteen starts, deGrom was expected to be back at full strength in time for the start of the season. Now, it seems like he’s suffered a big setback and may be forced to start the season on the shelf again.

“We are going to see how he is in the morning before we scratch him,” Mets manager BuckShowalter told the media. “But he has to be pretty convincing to pitch him (Friday). I’ll be surprised if he pitches (Friday) — rain or no rain.”

Mets Scratch Jacob deGrom From Friday’s Start

“Mets ace Jacob deGrom will undergo an MRI on his right shoulder Friday after he felt some tightness while playing catch on Thursday, manager Buck Showalter said. New York scratched deGrom from his scheduled spring training start on Friday,” reported The Athletic.

“The right-hander, the best pitcher in baseball in the first half of last year, missed the final three months of the 2021 season because of forearm and elbow injuries. DeGrom had a 1.08 ERA and 146 strikeouts in 92 innings over 15 starts last season,” the report added.

What’s Next For deGrom?

Jacob deGrom is set to make north of $33.5 million this season. He signed afive-year, $137.5 million contract in 2019 but is expected to opt out after this campaign, although he admitted his desire to stay with the Mets for life.

There’s no denying that he’s the best pitcher in baseball by a long stretch when healthy, but constant injury concerns might take a toll on his market value, especially if he can make at least 20 starts in 2022.

Asides from making picks regarding the champions, the individual awards also play an important part in the season recognizing the best performances in the MLB. The Cy Young is the annual award forthe best pitchers both from the American League and the National League.

This honor started to take place in 1956, paying tribute to the Hall of Famer pitcher Cy Young, who died in the previous year. Many unforgettable players were distinguished since then, and withthe 2021 campaigngetting underway, we’ll take a look at the potential best pitchers from both leagues.

AL – Gerrit Cole (New York Yankees)

Gerrit Cole is among the strongest candidates for getting the first Cy Youngin his career. The New York Yankees granted him the best contract ever for a pitcher in the league, and that explains a lot the talent he has. He amassed 1,430 strikeouts so far, with a 101-55 win-loss record and an earned run average of 3.19.

Despite the three-time MLB All-Star already accomplished important marks, like in 2019 when he ended as the strikeout leader of the season, Cole still couldn’t achieve the recognition as the best pitcher of the year. This season may be an opportunity for him to deserve it, in a year in which the Yankees will need to have a good finish as well.

AL – Lucas Giolito (Chicago White Sox)

With a fastball clocked as high as 100 miles per hour, Giolito is a much younger pitcher who impressed a lot since he came into baseball’s elite level. His name got into the White Sox‘s history for becoming the 19th player to throw a no-hitter, in a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates in which he accomplished more than 10 strikeouts.

He may seem like a less likely candidate on this list, but he shouldn’t be disregarded in the race for this award. Giolito still finds himself in an early stage of his career, but he couldbe the surprise in2021.

AL – Shane Bieber (Cleveland Indians)

Bieber moved up fast in the MLB, as only in his second year in the league he got called up to the All-Star Game, and in 2020, he received the Cy Young award.

Indians’ No. 57 had an impressive breakout season last year, in which he earnedrecognition as the best pitcher of the American League in great fashion. Bieber claimed a Triple Crown by being the AL’s leader in wins, earned run average, and strikeouts. Will he claim the Cy Young for the second time in a row?

NL -Jacob deGrom (New York Mets)

One of the most dominating pitchers in the entire MLB, deGrom immediately had an impact in the league, becoming the Rookie of the Year in his debut season. Later on, he took part in three All-Star eventsand got the Cy Young award in back-to-back seasons in 2018 and 2019.

deGrom finished as the strikeouts leader in the NL in the last two seasons, despite he couldn’t grab the best pitcher of the year trophy in 2020. Needless to say, he is an obvious contender for this year’s award.deGrom has everything to win itonce again.

NL – Trevor Bauer (Los Angeles Dodgers)

In the unforgettable 2020 season in which the Dodgers won the World Series, Trevor Bauer was unstoppable playing for the Cincinnati Reds. He became the first pitcher in that franchise’s history to win the Cy Young award.

Bauer led the NL in earned run average, made it to the All-MLB First Team, and called the attention of that season’s champions. The Dodgers secured the best pitcher of 2020 for the upcoming seasons looking to fight for thesecond title in a row.

NL – Max Scherzer (Washington Nationals)

Scherzer is not only one of the best pitchers at the moment, but one of the greatest in baseball’s history as well. His rèsumè speaks for itself. Asides from being named anAll-Starseven times, he is the pitcher with the most Cy Young awards on this list, as he earned it three times.

The 36-year-old has two no-hitters in his long career, and even though the last time he was awardedthe best pitcher of the league award, the veteran led the Nationals to the World Series title in 2019.

This year’s Opening Day comes with the hope of having a normal season after whatever the hell the 2020 campaign was. That’s why a lot of people are likely to call in sick to just sit down and enjoy a full day of the best baseball in the world.

Anything and everything can happen on Opening Day. Players are either way too fresh or way too rusty and there’s always a surprise waiting to happen. That’s why Will Leitch of MLB.com took the liberty of ranking every single one of the projected starters for today, so we have a better look at the surprises that could go down this afternoon.

All Opening Day Starters, Ranked By MLB:

30) Matthew Boyd, LHP, Tigers
29) Chad Kuhl, RHP, Pirates
28) Kyle Gibson, RHP, Rangers
27) John Means, LHP, Orioles
26) Nathan Eovaldi, RHP, Red Sox
25) Madison Bumgarner, LHP, D-backs
24) Dylan Bundy, RHP, Angels
23) Germán Márquez, RHP, Rockies
22) Kevin Gausman, RHP, Giants
21) Brad Keller, RHP, Royals
20) Marco Gonzales, LHP, Mariners
19) Tyler Glasnow, RHP, Rays
18) Sandy Alcantara, RHP, Marlins
17) Jack Flaherty, RHP, Cardinals
16) Kyle Hendricks, RHP, Cubs
15) Luis Castillo, RHP, Reds
14) Chris Bassitt, RHP, A’s
13) Zack Greinke, RHP, Astros
12) Brandon Woodruff, RHP, Brewers
11) Aaron Nola, RHP, Phillies
10) Max Fried, LHP, Braves
9) Kenta Maeda, RHP, Twins
8) Max Scherzer, RHP, Nationals
7) Lucas Giolito, RHP, White Sox
6) Hyun Jin Ryu,LHP, Blue Jays
5) Clayton Kershaw, LHP, Dodgers
4) Yu Darvish, RHP, Padres
3) Gerrit Cole, RHP, Yankees
2) Jacob deGrom, RHP, Mets
1) Shane Bieber, RHP, Indians

And you, what do you think about this ranking?

What makes a player a fan favorite? It comes down to heart, hustle, or rising to the big occasion. Personality is extremely important especially if you are playing for a New York team. Roger McDowell, for example, will forever live in Mets lore as just one of the funniest characters any New York sports team ever had. Mookie Wilson, on the other hand, might have the most famous at bat in baseball history!

While creating this list was tough, we tried to take into account as many eras of the Mets as possible, without leaving out some memorable players. Without further ado, here are the top 10 all-time favorite New York Mets.

10. David Cone

Whether it was his boyish looks or bright-eyed smile, fans were mesmerized or at times frustrated by the pitching ace. David Cone came to the Mets via the Royals in 1987 and wasn’t anything to really write home about. He always seemed nervous on the mound and looked like a boy amongst men on a team that had Ron Darling, Darryl Strawberry, and Gary Carter. Then he had a magnificent 1988 winning 20 games, and keeping the Mets NLCS hopes alive in Game 6 against the Dodgers. Cone also had his awkward moments, Game 2 of that series he was hit out of the park, and at times when lacking in confidence he would blow leads or give up a lot of runs. Still, he always seemed to be forgiven for any bad play and electrified the New York crowd at the height of his powers. For six years he was without question one of the best Mets on the roster, when he was traded to the Blue Jays, fans and Cone were in tears.

9. Lenny Dykstra

Nails, Lenny Dykstra, was everything you wanted in a New York player, he was good, he put his body at risk, and he could field and hit. Dykstra was all heart, blood, and guts for the Mets. Off the field he lived the New York lifestyle to its fullest, Dykstra was just loved by the fans. Many Mets fans have told stories that the day Dykstra was traded to Philadelphia, fathers had to sit sons and daughters down and tell them the news.

8. Jacob deGrom

The makings of a legend Jacob deGrom is today what Dwight Gooden was in the 1980’s. The last two seasons deGrom has been the NL strikeout leader and fans are mesmerized by his magic on the mound. I mean he has “Jacob deGrom Hair Hat” days at Citi Field, so the aces stock is rising.

7. Gary Carter

The Kid, Gary Carter, his 1980’s teammates sometimes defined Carter as a “dork” on a team full of out-of-control ballplayers, he was the spiritual, professional, team leader. At the plate or catching, Carter was clutch, an example for all fans. No true Mets fan cannot have a place in their heart for one of the greatest New York Mets ever.

6. Darryl Strawberry

Darryl Strawberry, for all his flaws, on and off the field had fans and media at his feet. Straw had one of the most elegant swings in all of baseball. The man could hit it out of the park at will and looked good doing it. Strawberry had a tough personality, at times he would drive teammates, fans, and media crazy with his “am too good for all of you” style. Still, look at the stadium crowd then and now, and you will almost certainly see many jerseys with the number 18 and the last name Strawberry on them.

5. David Wright

All the Wright stuff right here, David Wright was a franchise player, a 7-time all-star, an example, and team fan favorite. Unfortunately, Wright could never bring home a championship but left an everlasting legacy of sticking it out and being on top of your game with a team that did not have all the pieces in place. A stand-up ball player who loved the New York uniform.

4. John Franco

Greatest closer in Mets history, John Franco was and is beloved by Mets fans. He led the National League three times in saves, two of those years were down years for the Mets. A class act, a role model for the kids, Franco was there through the good and the many bad.

3. Keith Hernandez

The eternal Mets captain, Keith Hernandez, is most likely one of the most popular Mets of all time. Heart, soul, when things got tough Hernandez was there to pull the troops together. When the boys were out of control, he kept them on track. Keith Hernandez might be the most recognizable and most memorable team captain of any New York team.

2. Mike Piazza

After Gary Carter, Mike Piazza took the mantle of the Mets shining example of professionalism and grit. When it was all said and done, Piazza had his number 31 retired, he got in Roger Clemens face in the subway series, and refused to call a grown man Chipper. Piazza gave Mets fans too many memories.

1. Tom Seaver

Can there be any other number 1? The late, great Tom Seaver was universally loved by everyone in New York and sports. Always a gentleman, a pro, and a man who gave back, Seaver had time to sign autographs and do interviews and just move the Mets brand forward whatever his capacity. Seaver is truly the New York Mets all time popular and franchise player.