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New York Mets best free agent signings in franchise history

ByLeen Amin|
PORT ST. LUCIE, FL - MARCH 08: A New York Mets batting helmet in the dugout before a spring training baseball game against the Houston Astros at Clover Park on March 8, 2020 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. The Mets defeated the Astros 3-1. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PORT ST. LUCIE, FL - MARCH 08: A New York Mets batting helmet in the dugout before a spring training baseball game against the Houston Astros at Clover Park on March 8, 2020 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. The Mets defeated the Astros 3-1. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
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NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 16: Bartolo Colon #40 of the New York Mets in action against the Minnesota Twins at Citi Field on September 16, 2016 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. The Mets defeated the Twins 3-0. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

13) Bartolo Colon

SP, 2014-16

44-34, 3.90 ERA, 415 SO, 96 ERA+, 3.79 FIP, 1.225 WHIP, 4.7 WAR

Bartolo Colon is probably one of the most beloved Mets of this century and one of the team’s best free agent signings ever. In 2013, at the age of 41, Colon signed a two-year, $20 million deal with the Mets and then was re-signed to a one-year, $7.25 million deal.

On Opening Day of 2015, Colon joined Cy Young and Nolan Ryan as the third Opening Day pitcher over the age of 40 to strike out eight hitters. In April, he became the first pitcher in the previous 80 years aged 40 or older to win his first four starts.

Colon’s time in Flushing is probably most remembered by his home run in 2016 when he became the oldest player ever to hit his first home run and for his behind-the-back flip to first base in 2015, but he did pitch well for the Mets.

He led the team in innings pitched and wins during all three years. He also led the team in starts in 2015 and 2016 and was the only Met to pitch a complete game shutout in 2015. He was even an All-Star in 2016.

Colon also holds the franchise record for most consecutive decisions as a starting pitcher (26).

12) Cliff Floyd

LF, 2003-06

.268/.354/.478, .832 OPS, 116 OPS+, 81 HR, 273 RBI, 7.7 WAR

It can’t be denied that Cliff Floyd did play well as a member of the Mets, but, like Yoenis Céspedes, he likely would’ve been much more successful had he been able to stay healthy- he played just 468 games in four years with the Mets.

Floyd did, however, lead the team in home runs in 2005 as well as tie for the lead in 2003, lead the team in walks in 2003, lead the team in intentional walks in 2005, and lead the team in hit by pitch in 2004, 2005, and 2006.

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