The best NY Mets and Astros players to appear in games for each team by WAR

MLB brothers, cousins, fraternal twins or however you want to classify them, the New York Mets and the original iteration of the Houston Astros both came into the league in 1962. First called the Colt .45s prior to changing their nickname, the two ball clubs have shared many of the same ballplayers over the years as the case is with any franchise.

Who is the best of them? Who is the worst? Looking strictly at WAR for both teams, we have our answers.

Best WAR for a Mets hitter who also played for the Astros

In a clear runaway, Carlos Beltran and his 31.1 WAR for the Mets is the best of any player to have also suited up for the Astros. Two separate stints with Houston added only another 3.7 WAR with his biggest contribution possibly being his reputation as the mastermind behind their 2017 sign-stealing scandal. Enough time has passed where, while still acknowledged, enough fans have moved past this and can appreciate what he did for both teams.

Best WAR for an Astros hitter who also played for the Mets

Perhaps a bit more unpredictable, Richard Hidalgo with his 17.6 WAR is the highest of any Astros position player to also appear in a game for the Mets. He beats out Kevin Bass whose runner-up spot is at 16.5 WAR. As a member of the Mets for 86 games in 2004, Hidalgo added another 0.9 WAR made up of mostly the 21 home runs he had in 324 at-bats.

Best WAR for a Mets pitcher who also played for the Astros

The only surprise here might be you forgetting he even was an Astros player at one point. Dwight Gooden whose 41.6 WAR with the Mets remains one of the best in franchise history is our winner here. A single game in 2000 for Houston that ended with 4 runs allowed in 4 innings pitched and a -0.1 WAR made him eligible here. Coincidentally, the second-highest WAR of any Mets pitcher to also appear in a game for the Astros is Sid Fernandez at 27.7. In 1997, he also had one game for Houston.

Best WAR for an Astros pitcher who also played for the Mets

In a very tight race, Nolan Ryan and his 25.4 WAR beats out Mike Scott whose 24.8 WAR finishes just behind. Ryan would reach 3 WAR with the Mets during his early seasons. Somewhat similar pitchers who grew into studs after leaving the Mets, Scott was far worse during his time in New York and only worth -0.7 WAR.