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

Which New York Mets deserve a spot on the franchise’s all-time defensive team?

Since the New York Mets began playing in 1962, the franchise has been privileged to have countless transcendent talents suit up in their uniform. In fact, MLB’s history books are riddled with players accomplishing amazing feats while dressed in blue and orange uniforms.

As we pause to consider the Amazin’ feats of this great franchise, one particular category stands out: defense. Specifically, which current and former Mets are at the top of their respective positions in terms of their glove work and fielding accolades? Because who doesn’t love an all-time team debate?!

Thankfully, the record books paint a fairly clear picture of which stars stood out above the rest. As we dive into this topic, let’s look at the best possible all-time defensive lineup comprised entirely of current and former Mets.

In order to assemble the best possible lineup, some players have been shifted slightly in position. However, a player is only eligible to be slotted in a non-primary position if they spent a significant amount at that spot.

Mets Greatest Defensive First Baseman – Keith Hernandez

Keith Hernandez is easily the best defensive first baseman the Mets have ever seen. In fact, his glovework was so phenomenal, he has a legitimate case as the best defender to ever play his position.

The current Mets’ announcer is an 11-time Gold Glove award winner. While advanced metrics did not exist during Hernandez’s run of dominance throughout the 1980’s they would have assuredly cemented his legendary status even further.

He locks down the first base position as the best overall defensive player on this roster.

Honorable Mention: John Olerud

Mets Greatest Defensive Right Fielder – Carlos Beltran

Though he was primarily a centerfielder during his tenure in Queens, Carlos Beltran eventually transitioned into an everyday right-fielder during the latter portion of his stellar career. For the sake of assembling the best possible fielding team, Beltran will be slotted as a historically great option in RF.

The longtime outfielder won all three of his Gold Glove awards during his seven seasons in Queens. He has my vote as the best defensive outfielder the franchise has ever seen.

Honorable Mention: Curtis Granderson

Mets Greatest Defensive Center Fielder – Juan Lagares

This feels like the most controversial member of the All-Defense team. As all Mets fans are aware, Juan Lagares was the subject of much scrutiny during his major league career. His inability to hit consistently cause him to be platooned and ultimately released by the franchise.

How can a player with this profile take the CF spot away from a player of Beltran’s pedigree? Speaking strictly in terms of defense, Lagares was an absolute stud. The 2014 Gold Glove winner accumulated a plethora of highlight catches during his eight seasons with the Mets. During his prime, there was no one better at tracking down fly balls and making catches that seemed impossible.

Again, for the sake of assembling the best lineup, Lagares takes his natural position in center, while the superior Beltran slots over to the corner spot.

Honorable Mention: Angel Pagan

Greatest Mets Defensive Left Fielder – Tommie Agee

Speaking of corner outfielders.

Tommie Agee is the first real blast from the past on this list. The two-time GG winner played for New York from 1968-1972. While he captured both fielding honors just before his tenure with the Mets, he was still a phenomenal defender in NYC. His was so skilled he was named one of the top seven defenders in Mets’ history by ESPN.

Agee, much like Beltran, is a natural centerfielder who is being shifted to a less natural LF position.

Honorable Mention: Bernard Gilkey

Mets Greatest Defensive Catcher – Jerry Grote

The Mets have an uncommon amount of historical excellence at the catcher position. Superstars like Mike Piazza, Gary Carter, and Todd Hundley all hold the distinction of being a part of the Mets’ family. However, one New York backstop holds the distinction of the best defender in the position’s history: Jerry Grote. Grote was the first, and possibly only standout catcher to make a name for himself based more on his glove and arm than his bat.

While he was surprisingly never selected for an individual defensive award, the legend was the catalyst behind a starting staff that included Tom Seaver, Nolan Ryan, Tug McGraw, Jerry Koosman, and Ron Taylor.

He edges out Gary Carter for the honor of the best defensive catcher in franchise history.

Honorable Mention: Gary Carter

Mets Greatest Defensive Pitcher – Ron Darling

Only one pitcher has ever been awarded a Gold Glove award while he was a member of the Mets’ team. Uncoincidentally, this player is also the all-defensive team’s starter at the position. Ron Darling was one of the games best at preventing runs not only with his pitching arm but also with his glove. His prime seasons also came while wearing blue and orange. He holds a career .939 field percentage and a reputation as one of the best specialists in team history.

Unless Marcus Stroman plays several more seasons in Queens while recapturing his Gold Glove form, Darling is positioned to retain his spot for many years to come.

Honorable Mention: Marcus Stroman

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What changes would you make to this all-time all-defense lineup?