Four Free Agent Signings That Left Their Fingerprints All Over Mets History

Key Highlights

• Outfielders Carlos Beltran, Curtis Granderson, starting pitcher Pedro Martinez, and third baseman Robin Ventura were selected by Reuter as the four most influential names in Mets history to sign with the team in free agency. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementBeltran signed a seven-year, $119 million deal with New York ahead of the 2005 season after back-to-back seasons receiving MVP votes.
• His first season in Queens was somewhat disappointing, but he solidified himself as one of the best outfielders in baseball for his remaining time with the Mets.
• He made five All-Star games as a Met and won three Gold Gloves and two Silver Sluggers.
• A 129 OPS+ hitter while proving elite defense during his time with the Mets, Beltran’s legacy is certainly in New York. During the same offseason in which Beltran signed with New York, Martinez also made the move to Queens on a four-year, $53 million contract.
• He didn’t provide the same longevity as Beltran, but Martínez had a dominant first season with the Mets.