New York Mets: All-time “all speed” starting lineup in franchise history

First Basemen – Gregg Jefferies

Another position that usually has one of the slowest guys on the field is first base. In this case, Gregg Jefferies was not that guy. In 465 games with the Mets, Jefferies compiled 63 stolen bases, 96 doubles, and 9 triples.

Jefferies only played in parts of five seasons with the Mets, two of those years only appearing in 29 games and 6 games. In one of the three full seasons he did play, he managed to use his legs very well as he led the league in doubles with 40. His other two full seasons he managed to steal 20+ bases each year, which is quite impressive for a first baseman.

Second Basemen – Wally Backman

As we move up the middle of the diamond we get to a position that is more known for speed in second base. In what should not really be a surprise, Wally Backman takes the cake here. In 765 games with the Mets, Backman piled up 106 steals, 95 doubles, and 14 triples.

Backman took advantage of becoming a full-time player in 1984 when he stole 32 bases and another 30 the following season. In his limited time playing the previous four years he only stole 11 bases. Backman took advantage of his few years playing full-time, and as a result, finds himself at the top for second base.

Shortstop – Jose Reyes

Another position that is very speed-focused in shortstop, there should be no surprise with Jose Reyes being the best here. In his first nine seasons, Reyes was absolutely electric as he tormented opposing pitchers on the basepaths. Even when he came back for his last three seasons in his mid-thirties, he still stressed out opposing pitchers with his speed.

Reyes is the all-time Mets leader in stolen bases with 408 and triples with 113. He also went on to add 272 doubles in his 1,365 games played in the orange and blue. Reyes lead the league in triples on four different occasions with the Mets and another three times in stolen bases. In 4 different seasons, Reyes stole 50 or more bases, 3 of those seasons have 60+, and one of them even topping out at 78.

Third Base – Howard Johnson

As we move over to the hot corner, we get into a good competition between Howard Johnson and the Captain, David Wright. The majority of people most likely would pick Wright, because he is our captain and a fan favorite in simple terms, but in a speed competition, I have to give a slight edge to Johnson.

In 431 fewer games played for the Mets, Johnson had 6 more stolen bases and 8 fewer triples than Wright. In six out of 9 seasons, Johnson had 20 or more steals, four of the six having 30 or more steals, and one of those four with 40+ bases. Howard was a legit and solid stolen base threat during his time in New York.