For any championship roster, homegrown talent is a necessity. As the Mets have learned over the years, teams that build a solid foundation have a significant advantage over organizations with barren farm systems.

While the franchise has sometimes struggled in this area, they still developed many star players in their history. So, who are team’s best homegrown players at each position? This list will exclude any player that was originally drafted or signed by another team.

C Todd Hundley

Drafted by the Mets in 1987, Todd Hundley delivered two powerful seasons as the Mets catcher. While Hundley didn’t break out until 1996, his team record of 41 homeruns that season wouldn’t be broken until last year.

Hundley drove in 112 RBI with a .906 OPS in 153 games in 1996. He also posted a higher OPS the following year (.948) with 30 homeruns and 86 RBI in 1997, before struggling with a .161 batting average in 1998.

Mike Piazza, Gary Carter, and Jerry Grote rank as better overall players in team history, but since they were all drafted/signed by other organizations, Hundley is the clear choice for this list.

1B Pete Alonso

After a prolific rookie season, Alonso undoubtedly deserves a spot on this list. Alonso shattered the Mets’ record books with 53 homeruns, which led the MLB and broke the league’s rookie record.

Alonso slashed .260/.358/.583 with 120 RBI and a .941 OPS last year. When the MLB resumes play, it won’t be long before he climbs further up the franchise’s leaderboards and obliterates more records.

2B Edgardo Alfonzo

If Jeff McNeil continues to rake, he could one day supplant Edgardo Alfonzo on this list. But it would take an incredible effort to exceed what Alfonzo achieved in his prime.

From 1997-2002, Alfonzo slashed .296/.380/.464 with 112 homeruns and 42 steals. And during the Mets pennant winning season in 2000, Alfonzo batted .324 with a .967 OPS. He owns a career WAR of 28.8.

3B David Wright

As the franchise’s all-time leader in offensive WAR (51.9), Hits (1777), Runs (949),and Total Bases (2945), David Wright is not only the franchise’s best third baseman –  he is their best overall hitter.

Selected by the Mets with the 38th overall pick in 2001, Wright became an immediate contributor, and he didn’t stop hitting until a spinal injury slowed him down and ultimately cut his career short.

SS Jose Reyes

Electrifying and dynamic, Jose Reyes energized the Mets with his game-changing speed. He stole 408 bases and legged out 113 triples – both franchise records. He also offered solid production at the plate. From 2006-2011, Reyes batted .297/.354/.458 with a .812 OPS. His 27.9 offensive WAR ranks fifth in team history.

LF Cleon Jones

During the Mets 1969 championship season, Cleon Jones was incredible. He batted .340 with a .904 OPS in 137 games and stole 16 bases with 12 homeruns. While that season stands out as Jones’ best, he was solid throughout his peak. From 1968-1971, Jones hit .308/.374/.456 with an OPS+ of 134.

CF Mookie Wilson

Known for his heroics in the 1986 World Series, Mookie Wilson’s Mets’ career is legendary. His epic at-bat in Game Six is one of the most iconic moments in team history, and his numbers are the best out of any homegrown centerfielder.

Wilson’s 20.8 WAR ranks ninth among hitters in team history. He stole 281 bases, and from 1985- 1988, Wilson batted .290/.345/.436 with a 118 OPS +.

RF Darryl Strawberry

With 252 homeruns, Darryl Strawberry still holds the franchise record for long balls. The first overall pick of the 1980 draft crushed at least 26 bombs in each of his eight Mets’ seasons. He also smacked a league leading 39 home runs in 1988 with a 165 OPS +.

Strawberry’s 36.6 WAR ranks second all-time among Mets’ position players. He also ranks second in RBI (733) third in Runs (662), and fifth in steals (191).

Stay tuned for next week as we will rank the franchise’s best homegrown pitchers. Expect to see several  Cy Young Award winners on that list…