Mets starting lineup of the all-time greats

Stepping to the plate, CF Carlos Beltran

This is typically the point where it can get tricky to know who to bat because you’re beginning to put guys who would normally hit much higher in spots far below their abilities. Carlos Beltran would be far more ideal hitting third or fourth. In this lineup, he takes over the number five duties.

Regarded by many as one of the most underappreciated Mets, Beltran hit .280/.369/.500 for the club while hitting 149 home runs and driving in 559. He also managed to cross over into triple digits with 100 stolen bases while with the team. In parts of seven seasons with the club, Beltran was one of the best outfielders in the game.

In 2006, Beltran tied Todd Hundley for the franchise’s single-season home run record with 41. That same season was the year he would win the first of three Gold Gloves as a member of the Mets. He wasn’t just a threat at the plate. Beltran could steal runs away from the opposing team.

A big trouble with Beltran’s stay in Queens is his health. He missed half of 2009 and even more games in 2010. His final season with the team in 2011 ended when he was traded mid-year to the San Francisco Giants for Zack Wheeler.

Beltran would give this Mets lineup a little bit of everything from the five hole. In center field, they couldn’t find a better fielder either.