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