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Ranking the 5 best Mets free agent signings of players born in the Dominican Republic
The New York Mets are poised to have a highly active offseason after falling short of reaching the World Series. While looking at the free agent market, they would also consider some talent from the Dominican Republic, like Juan Soto, for instance.
The team has a rich history of signing players from there. Some players have come and gone but exceeded expectations during their time with the team. There were challenges these players had to adapt to when coming to play for a big market team. These challenges include being able to handle the pressure. Pressure is going to be a thing when it comes to playing a big market team. These players had no issues handling the stress. With that being said, let's look at some of the best free agents that the Mets have signed coming from the Dominican Republic.
5) Jeurys Familia
For two straight seasons between 2015-16, Jeurys Familia was the best closer the Mets ever had coming from the Dominican Republic. New York hasn't had a consistent closer since Billy Wagner's days. Familia joined the team back in 2007 where he was signed as a non-draft free agent. His debut year did not arrive until 2012, and officially became the team's closer back in 2015.
During his time as the Mets’ closer, Jeurys Familia appeared in 315 games and notched 124 saves, which ranks third all-time in franchise history. While Familia was often a reliable presence in the ninth inning, he also had his struggles, recording 26 blown saves during his tenure with the team.
He also played a pivotal role in the team's playoff run back in 2015. Familia recorded the final out of game 4 of the NLCS against the Chicago Cubs to send the Mets to their first World Series since 2000. Unfortunately, Familia's best days would drop drastic after the 2016 season. Later as the years went by, we saw many blown saves leading the team to trade him to the Oakland Athletics. In return of the trade, New York received prospect Will Toffey and some international money. Still, he had a great run with the Mets.
4) Juan Lagares
Coming in at number four is outfielder Juan Lagares. Similar to Familia, Lagares was signed by the Mets as a non-draft free agent out of Constanza, Dominican Republic. When his journey first started, he began as a shortstop before he was transferred to the outfield. His major league debut never arrived until 2013. It came against the Los Angeles Dodgers, a team that was prime to making the playoffs every year.
During his run at the major league level, he did help the team with his defensive flash in the outfield. As a result of his hard work, he earned himself his first gold glove award in 2014. In 2014 he also had a breakout season in which it would be his best during his time with the Mets. That time he would manage to hit .281 with 24 doubles and 13 stolen bases. The following season, the team decided to lock him on a $23 million deal that would last until 2019. His at-bats did present him a problem leading him to get a bench role.
However, Lagares did play a crucial role in the Mets big playoff run in 2015. In 13 playoff games, he managed to bat .348 along with 8 hits and 7 runs scored. Without Lagares present on the team, New York wouldn't be this far in the playoffs. Along the rest of the way, Lagares time with the Mets was derailed with injuries. Injuries to his quad, hamstring, elbow, toe, and thumb limited him to an average of just 68 games per season. Later in 2019, the Mets have decided to cut ties with Lagares.
3) Bartolo Colon
Oh yes, a fan favorite. Bartolo Colon was a fun player to watch during his tenure with the Mets, even earning the nickname of "Big Sexy". The team reached an agreement with him for two years worth $20 million back in December 11, 2013. He was coming off an impressive season with the Oakland Athletics back in 2013, in which he posted a 2.65 ERA that came with All-Star honors.
During his three seasons in Mets uniform, Colon made 95 starts and posted a 44-34 record with a 3.90 ERA and a 1.23 WHIP. Over 588.2 innings pitched, he struck out 415 batters while issuing 86 walks, showcasing elite control with just 1.3 walks per nine innings. Colón also recorded two complete games and one shutout, solidifying himself as a reliable workhorse for the Mets' rotation.
He had many memorable moments during his time with the team. One of them was his first major league home run that came against the San Diego Padres on May 7, 2016. At the age of 42, Colon became the oldest player in MLB history to hit his first career home run. It was a joyful moment for him and the fans that came to watch him in play.
Then there were his contributions as well. Colon played a crucial role in the Mets playoff run back in 2015. In game four of the NLDS against the Dodgers, Colon came out of the bullpen in relief of Steven Matz. It was a key performance in a tough situation, showcasing his ability to step up when needed. His experience and composure helped solidify the Mets' pitching staff as a whole during the playoff push. Unfortunately for the Mets and Colon, they would reach the World Series but lose to the motivated Kansas City Royals.
2) Pedro Martinez
Pedro Martinez is definitely one of the Mets best free agent signings coming from the Dominican Republic. The Mets were in a midst of a rebuild and were already looking for an ace to lead the way for the future. They found their guy and it was the perfect choice. Before he joined the Mets, he had already earned multiple CY Young awards along with a World Series championship he won with the Red Sox back in 2004.
Martinez's tenure with the Mets was short but impactful. He made 79 starts and posted a 32-33 record with a 3.88 ERA and a 1.16 WHIP. Over 486.2 innings pitched, he struck out 464 batters while issuing 119 walks. His best season with the Mets would be his debut season in which he went 15-8 with a 2.82 ERA, a league leading WHIP of 0.95, and 208 strikeouts over 217 innings pitched. It was enough to earn him All-Star honors.
His dominance on the mound was unparalleled, with a career ERA consistently among the best in Major League Baseball. The Mets’ acquisition of Martínez wasn’t just about securing a future ace; it was about bringing in a seasoned veteran capable of elevating the entire pitching staff.
Throughout his tenure with the Mets, Martínez brought more than just his pitching expertise. His leadership and competitive spirit were key elements in helping to mentor younger players and establish a winning mindset. Although injuries limited his full potential in New York, he still managed to provide several solid seasons, proving to be a valuable asset during the Mets’ playoff push in 2006. In the end, Martínez’s impact on the Mets extended far beyond his on-field performance, making him one of the most influential and iconic signings in franchise history
1) Jose Reyes
José Reyes is another fan favorite for the Mets, and his energetic personality is what truly stands out to fans. Known for his infectious enthusiasm and love for the game, Reyes brought a sense of excitement and joy every time he stepped onto the field. Whether it was his dynamic speed on the bases, his flashy defense, or his ability to ignite rallies at the top of the lineup, Reyes' presence made the Mets' games more thrilling to watch. His passion for the game was palpable, and that energy resonated deeply with the fans, who admired not just his talent, but his unwavering commitment and vibrant personality.
Reyes would spend 12 seasons with the Mets, becoming one of the franchise’s all-time greats. Over 1,365 games, he posted a .282 batting average with a .768 OPS, recording 1,534 hits, 743 runs scored, 249 doubles, and a Mets franchise-record 113 triples. A dynamic leadoff hitter, Reyes stole 408 bases and led the league in triples four times. His best season came in 2011 when he won the NL batting title with a .337 average.
He was signed out of the Dominican Republic by the Mets back in 1999. In 2000, he went to the Appalachian League where he managed to .250. Even better, Reyes showcased some impressive defensive skills. In 2003, he would finally reach the major league level at the age of 19. He would even have a magnificent debut. In his first at-bat as a Met, Reyes would record his big league hit. He finished the afternoon going 2-for-4. Five days later he would hit his big league home run which turned out to be a grand slam.
Reyes's breakout season did not arrive until the 2006 season. Part of it was thanks to the Mets for hiring former player Ricky Henderson as a specialist instructor. As a result of his hard work, Reyes won his first Silver Slugger award along with first-time All-Star honors and finishing 7th in the NL MVP. He would recap the 2006 season with a .300 batting average, 19 home runs, 81 RBI, 122 runs scored, and 64 stolen bases. The Mets would eventually lock up Reyes in the offseason for another four years worth $23.25 million. The rest is history.
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