Mets All-Quarter Century Team: The Best of 2000–2025
The dawn of the new millennium was kind to the New York Mets. In 2000, they fought their way to the World Series—only to be halted by their crosstown rivals in the Subway Series. It would be another 15 years before they returned to baseball’s biggest stage, despite a near-miss in 2006.
Since billionaire owner Steve Cohen took the reins in 2022, the Mets have been building toward a new era, blending star power with an ambitious vision. Over the last 25 seasons, the franchise has claimed three NL East titles and made six playoff appearances, creating a tapestry of highs, heartbreaks, and unforgettable performances.
Now, we honor the best of the best—the players who defined the Mets from 2000 to 2025—with our All-Quarter Century Team.
STARTERS
Catcher: Mike Piazza
A Hall of Famer and a cornerstone of the franchise, Piazza’s peak Mets years came right at the turn of the century. From 2000–2002, he never dipped below 33 home runs, 96 RBI, or a .280 batting average. He was the driving force behind the 2000 World Series run and etched his name into Mets lore with his iconic post-9/11 home run.
Honorable mention: Travis d’Arnaud
First Base: Pete Alonso
Since debuting in 2019, Alonso has been a wrecking ball of power. The Polar Bear broke the MLB rookie home run record with 53 and hasn’t slowed down—collecting multiple 40-HR, 100-RBI seasons. On Aug. 12, 2025, he became the franchise’s all-time home run king with No. 253.
Honorable mention: Carlos Delgado
Second Base: Edgardo Alfonzo
A vital cog in the 2000 World Series run, Alfonzo brought pop and consistency, posting a .967 OPS with 25 HR and 94 RBI in his lone All-Star season. His glove and leadership anchored the infield in an era of change.
Honorable mention: Jeff McNeil
Third Base: David Wright
The Captain embodied everything about Mets baseball for 15 seasons. A seven-time All-Star, two-time Gold Glove winner, and two-time Silver Slugger, Wright left as the franchise leader in hits, runs, and RBI. His presence was as valuable in the clubhouse as it was on the field.
Honorable mention: Todd Zeile
Shortstop: Francisco Lindor
After a rocky start in 2021, Lindor became the heartbeat of Cohen-era Mets baseball. With a 107 RBI season in 2022, a 30-30-30 campaign in 2023, and an MVP runner-up finish in 2024, he has already delivered playoff heroics worthy of Mets history.
Honorable mention: Jose Reyes
Outfield: Carlos Beltrán
One of the most complete players in team history, Beltrán’s 2006 season (.275, 41 HR, 116 RBI) remains one of the best by a Mets hitter. In seven seasons, he tallied 149 HR, 559 RBI, and 100 stolen bases, along with elite defense.
Honorable mention: Michael Conforto
Outfield: Brandon Nimmo
The current longest-tenured Met, Nimmo’s steady bat, high OBP, and leadership have made him a fixture. His career-best 90 RBI in 2024 and back-to-back .800+ OPS seasons cemented his place here.
Honorable mention: Cliff Floyd
Outfield: Yoenis Céspedes
Céspedes’ midseason arrival in 2015 sparked a miracle run. His 17 HR in just 57 games propelled the Mets to their first division title since 2006, followed by clutch postseason performances and an All-Star 2016 season.
Honorable mention: Curtis Granderson
STARTING ROTATION
- Jacob deGrom – Two Cy Youngs, Rookie of the Year, four All-Star nods, and dominance that rivaled Tom Seaver before injuries intervened.
- Johan Santana – Owner of the Mets’ only no-hitter, the lefty’s 2008 season (2.53 ERA, 234 IP) was a masterpiece.
- R.A. Dickey – The 2012 Cy Young winner brought the knuckleball back to glory, winning 20 games and tossing back-to-back one-hitters.
- Al Leiter – Steady, dependable, and clutch in the 2000 postseason, Leiter was the Mets’ workhorse through the early 2000s.
- Matt Harvey – The Dark Knight was electric in his prime, starring in the 2015 World Series run with a bulldog mentality.
Honorable mentions: Bartolo Colón, Noah Syndergaard, Zack Wheeler, Pedro Martínez, Jon Niese
BULLPEN
- Edwin Díaz – The trumpets blare for a reason: 495 strikeouts in 300 innings since 2019 and one of the most dominant reliever seasons ever in 2022.
- Jeurys Familia – A homegrown closer who racked up 124 saves and led the NL in 2015 with 51.
- Billy Wagner – A three-time Mets All-Star with a sub-2.40 ERA during his four seasons in Queens.
- Seth Lugo – A versatile arm who thrived in high-leverage bullpen roles before reinventing himself as a starter elsewhere.
- Armando Benítez – The team’s dominant closer of the early 2000s with 160 saves in five seasons.
This All-Quarter Century Team tells the story of a franchise that has experienced both heartbreak and glory—one still chasing the championship moments that define baseball’s immortals.