New York Mets all-time best rookie seasons at each position

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CHICAGO – 1986: Dwight Gooden of the New York Mets looks on during an MLB game versus the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois during the 1986 season. (Photo by Ron Vesely/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /

The New York Mets have had some amazing rookies pass through the organization. At each position, these are the top seasons produced by freshmen in franchise history.

As we move closer and closer to the 2020 season, the New York Mets have some very intriguing pieces on the current roster. Perhaps the most polarizing, or shall I say polar-bearizing, is the 2019 National League Rookie of the Year, Pete Alonso.

Taking into consideration his phenomenal rookie campaign, it made me wonder which players have also had memorable rookie seasons and could be considered for the all-time Mets rookie team?

After a lot of thought and an equal amount of research, I was able to come up with a solid group of Mets rookies to fill out the all-time team.

Starting Pitcher: Dwight ‘Doc’ Gooden, 1984

In 1984, Dwight Gooden experienced one of the best rookie seasons in Major League Baseball history. Gooden struck out 276 batters in 218 innings, to go along with a 2.60 ERA.

To top it all off, he also compiled 7 complete games during his historic rookie campaign. Not only did Gooden take home the National League Rookie of the Year award, but he also finished in second place for the National League CY Young behind Rick Sutcliffe.

Doc would go on to anchor a World Series-winning pitching staff in 1986, and will always be remembered as one of the most dominant pitchers in franchise history.

Honorable Mention: Jerry Koosman, 1968

Relief Pitcher: Roger McDowell, 1985

The New York Mets have had a lot of memorable rookie seasons from their starting pitchers. The same can’t really be said for the guys out of the ‘pen. An anomaly to this is Roger McDowell‘s 1985 rookie season. Many younger generation fans think of him as a pitching coach, but back in the day, McDowell was one of the best relievers in baseball.

To kick off his 12-year major league career, McDowell was tied with Jesse Orosco for the team lead in saves with 17, which also led all rookies in Major League Baseball. Along with the 17 saves, McDowell pitched to the tune of a 2.83 ERA which also led all rookies with at least 100 innings pitched.

The following season, McDowell, like Doc Gooden, helped guide the Mets to their first World Series Championship in 17 years, which as we know is also their most recent championship.

Honorable Mention: Doug Sisk, 1983

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