The 4 best early Christmas free agent signing gifts the Mets have ever delivered

Some of these gifts were ones we didn't even know we wanted.
Cardinals v Mets
Cardinals v Mets / Ezra Shaw/GettyImages
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3) Endy Chavez

It was on December 22, 2005, when the Mets stole Endy Chavez away from the rival Philadelphia Phillies. Big deal, right? A light hitting outfielder who posted a .216/.260/.302 slash line the year prior would be quickly forgotten. Yes, he had some speed and could play defense. He’d never have a big moment for the Mets.

Dickey is remembered for one big year. Chavez has the singular moment. His game-saving home run robbery in Game 7 of the 2006 NLCS is quite possibly the most remarkable defensive play in club history. It’s up there with Mike Baxter protecting Johan Santana’s no-hitter. Ron Swoboda’s catch in the 1969 World Series, while in a more significant spot and a more positive outcome, doesn’t compare to the athleticism of what Chavez did.

A loss later that evening didn’t take away from how Mets fans feel about Chavez. He was already playing a significant role on them. In the regular season, Chavez found his way into 133 games for them. He batted .306/.348/.431. An outfielder with little expectation turned out to become one of the most important players of the year.