Now that Keith Hernandez has finally and deservedly had his number retired, New York Mets fans who are pleased that the team is embracing the franchise’s history are debating who is next. There’s also another honor that needs to be considered.
Who will be next to be inducted into the Mets Hall of Fame?
The Mets Hall of Fame is also a prestigious club to join. And even though in our regular MLB predictions we don’t include Hall of Fame candidates, below we list the best potential candidates to be honored by the Mets.
Who Will Be Next To Have Their Day of Honor at Citi Field?
Number Retirement Candidates
There are only two names to include here: David Wright and Gary Carter. Most Mets fans will easily agree that Wright is a shoo-in, it’s just a matter of when. He was one of the most beloved Mets players of all-time and spent his entire career with the team. Wright was a seven-time All-Star who holds over 15 franchise records, including most hits, RBI, runs scored, extra base hits, and Wins Above Replacement.
Carter stirs up emotional debate among Mets followers, but his impact on the greatest team in franchise history was undeniable. Naturally, after Hernandez was honored as the first member of the 1986 Mets to have his number retired, thoughts turned to whether Carter will be next.
Because he precedes Wright in the team’s historical timeline, and Steve Cohen has a true sense of what really matters to the franchise, “The Kid” should have a strong chance of being the next Met to have his number retired.
Though he played parts of just five seasons for the Mets, Carter was the final piece in the championship puzzle and one of the two leaders of the 1986 team along with Hernandez. He was also an outstanding caretaker of a marvelous pitching staff, and an offensive force in 1985 and 1986.
In our estimation, length of tenure at the top of his game is not as important as full impact during his time in a Mets uniform. That helps Carter’s case. It also should be noted that the Mets won 398 games with him from 1985 to 1988.
Mets Hall of Fame Candidates Ranked
Here’s a list of former Mets rated by the possibility that they may be inducted into the team’s Hall of Fame & Museum at Citi Field. Some of these candidates are not in the Mets Hall of Fame yet simply because they recently retired. We also include a few non-players.
1. David Wright
Maybe they can retire his number and put him in the Hall of Fame on the same day. But the fans would be fine with two separate occasions to honor Wright.
2. Howie Rose
Rose has admirably filled the radio chair that once belonged to Bob Murphy. Rose has been the most identifiable voice to Mets fans since the mid-1990s, hosting the team’s induction and retirement ceremonies. He belongs in the same pantheon as Murphy, Ralph Kiner, and Lindsey Nelson.
3. Gary Cohen
The Mets are widely considered to have the best television broadcast team in baseball, and Cohen is the maestro. He is the unrivaled lead voice for the current generation of Mets fans. For both him and Rose, who grew up as local Mets fans, being inducted into the team’s Hall of Fame would be the ultimate thrill, and deserved.
4. José Reyes
The franchise’s all-time leader in steals, he also led the National League in that category three times. ne of the most electrifying players in team history during his prime.
5. Carlos Beltrán
One of the greatest outfielders to wear the blue and orange uniform of the Mets, Beltrán won two Silver Slugger Awards and three Gold Gloves. In 2006, he set franchise records with 41 home runs and 127 runs scored.
6. Howard Johnson
A major fan favorite, HoJo was a three-time member of the 30/30 club, a rare MLB feat that he pulled off as a Mets standout.
7. Jesse Orosco
The lefty was an All-Star in 1983 and 1984, and a postseason hero in 1986.
8. Al Leiter
When you see a player’s “shirsey” in the team store, you know he’s a franchise favorite. Leiter had his best season ever as a Met in 1998 and was an All-Star in 2000, when he was the ace of the National League pennant winners. He also won 15 games in 2003.
9. Daniel Murphy
An All-Star in 2014 and the NL Championship Series MVP in 2015 based on his unforgettable performance for the Mets.
10. Johan Santana
The author of the first no-hitter in Mets history, and a better comp to Sandy Koufax than many people may realize.
What about Rusty?????
Thanks for reading. He is already in the Mets HOF
Agree with the first seven names for the Mets HOF. Leiter? Murph? Santana? Not so sure about them.
The next number to retire is 8. Retire 5 after he becomes eligible for HOF in 2024! Much consideration should be given to 16 & 18 as well!
Thanks for reading John. Leiter is considered one of the better Mets pitchers in recent team history, and Murphy’s 2015 postseason was truly memorable. Santana ended a long wait for a no-hitter. Gooden and Strawberry are outside shots at best for number retirement.