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New York Mets: Assembling the all-time defensive team in club history

By Allen Settle

LOS ANGELES,CA-CIRCA 1986: Keith Hernandez of the New York Mets prepares to field against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium circa 1986 in Los Angeles,California. (Photo by Owen C. Shaw/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES,CA-CIRCA 1986: Keith Hernandez of the New York Mets prepares to field against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium circa 1986 in Los Angeles,California. (Photo by Owen C. Shaw/Getty Images) /
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New York Mets shortstop Ray Ordonez (L) puts the tag down too late as the Cincinnati Reds’ Chris Stynes (R) steals second in the top of the first inning 25 April at Shea Stadium in New York City. The Reds beat the Mets 2-0. AFP PHOTO Matt CAMPBELL (Photo by MATT CAMPBELL / AFP) (Photo by MATT CAMPBELL/AFP via Getty Images)
New York Mets shortstop Ray Ordonez (L) puts the tag down too late as the Cincinnati Reds’ Chris Stynes (R) steals second in the top of the first inning 25 April at Shea Stadium in New York City. The Reds beat the Mets 2-0. AFP PHOTO Matt CAMPBELL (Photo by MATT CAMPBELL / AFP) (Photo by MATT CAMPBELL/AFP via Getty Images) /

Mets Greatest Defensive Second Baseman – Edgardo Alfonzo

While Edgardo Alfonzo admittedly spent more time at third base (889 games) than second (549 games), he certainly has the skillset and experience to shift to the middle infield. His incredible range would allow him to play any infield position with experience.

In fact, during his eight seasons in Flushing, Alfonzo never posted a WAR on defense below 0.2.

Honorable Mention: Jeff Kent

Mets Greatest Defensive Shortstop – Rey Ordonez

Rey Ordonez brings one thing to the all-time team that he also brought to every baseball field he stepped foot on: style. He has the accolades (three Gold Glove awards and excellent defensive metrics) to merit his spot on this roster of all-time greats. However, above all else, he brought a highlight-reel quality to the most important infield position in the game.

The legendary Met routinely made jaw-dropping stretches, catches, and throws, which made him the envy of all of his peers.

Honorable Mention: Bud Harrelson

Mets Greatest Defensive Third Baseman – David Wright

This was the most difficult decision on the roster. While David Wright was a two-time Gold Glove winner and one of the greatest overall talents in the history of the franchise, a six-time Gold Glove winner lurks behind him in Robin Ventura. Wright ultimately edges out the hot corner spot based on one important factor: longevity. While Ventura spent just three MLB seasons in Flushing, Wright played for the team for his entire 14-year career.

If this were a competition for the best defensive player in their prime, Ventura would take the award. However, the best third basemen to ever grab a glove while wearing a Mets’ uniform was Wright.

Honorable Mention: Robin Ventura

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