The Mets have only had four captains in their history, but have had many more players considered to be the “face of the franchise.” Mike Piazza, Dwight Gooden, Tom Seaver, Lee Mazzilli, etc.

Keith Hernandez, Gary Carter, John Franco and David Wright have all had the honor of being the Captain, but as Wright is set to walk off into the sunset, he will relinquish his captain status, leaving the Mets, well, captain-less.

There’s no requirement that every team has a captain, but it’s always a great honor for a team to recognize a player for their devotion to the franchise, the fans, and the  community. With the role now set to open, it’s a chance for players to step up and fill the void. Here’s five players with a chance to become the new face of the Mets.

Jacob deGrom

This one shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. Jacob deGrom is easily the Mets best player, one of the greatest pitchers the organization has ever seen, and is in the thick of a Cy Young race while posting an ERA under 2.00.

The righty has expressed interest multiple times of staying long term, and hoping he sees the most of his career as a New York Met. The Florida native has been with the the Mets for the duration of his career, has taken them to the World Series, pitched in two All-Star games, won a Rookie of the Year, and has been on top of baseball ever since.

Steven Matz

Who better to be the face of the franchise than the hometown kid? Steven Matz was born and raised on Long Island, a former second round pick of the Mets, was a top LHP prospect, and has been a Met since 2015. Matz and his family captured the hearts of the baseball world in 2015 during his debut, as he doubled and we all saw the elation on the face of Steven’s grandfather and the rest of his family.

Matz grew up a Mets fan, has started multiple playoff games for the club, and appears to be a big part of the plans for the future. Outside of one mess of a start in Washington, Matz had a very solid year, bouncing back from last year’s disappointing season. Matz is still young, under control, and has had the New York Mets in his blood for quite some time.

Noah Syndergaard

THOR! Noah Syndergaard is arguably the best known Met, especially in the arena of the casual baseball fan and the fans that don’t follow the Mets.

Syndergaard stand at 6’6″, has the build of a real life superhero, and plays the part. The right-hander is often the Met to make public appearances, have promotional days at the ballpark, oh and pitches amazing games. Thor was a Cy Young candidate in 2016, pitched a great year and started postseason games in 2015, and has rebounded from an injury plagued 2017 nicely this season.

Syndergaard hosts a 3.26 ERA in 2018, and a career ERA below 3.00. For his career, he has struck out 10 batters a game on average, and is only 26.

The Texas native could easily be a Met well into the 2020s. By around 2005 or 2006, it was apparent that David Wright was the face of the Mets, and he was only in his mid-20s. A quality needed to truly be the face of a team is longevity with said team. Wright has spent his whole career with the Mets, and Syndergaard has the chance to do the same.

Brandon Nimmo

Whats a good face if it can’t smile? Brandon Nimmo, baseball’s happiest player, has enjoyed great success in a breakout season. Nimmo started everyday to begin the season while Michael Conforto was recovering from his shoulder surgery, and had much All-Star consideration. Nimmo has shown great defensive capability in all three outfield positions. Nimmo has excelled in the lead-off spot, in the meat of the lineup, and virtually every position hes been put in.

Nimmo excels off the field; the smile is a reflection of the man’s heart: bright.

Nimmo has been the Santa at the Mets’ Christmas Party before, and is known the be great with younger fans at games and in public. You will often see pictures of Brandon smiling with youngsters pregame, signing autographs, and active in the New York Metro Area. Nimmo exemplifies everything you want in a major league baseball player, and in a person. Brandon Nimmo, if he stays around long enough, could see himself become the face of the New York Mets and possibly even wear an orange “C” on his jersey.

Michael Conforto

There is a case to be made that Michael Conforto was the best offensive prospect the Mets have had since David Wright, and many see him as the future of the team. Conforto, a 2014 first round pick, exploded onto the scene in 2015 and was starting, and hitting massive home runs, in World Series games. Conforto was soaring to start 2016, before a lingering wrist issue brought his season to a close. Michael then rebounded in 2017, where he was a National League All-Star, the first All-Star nod of his career.

In 2018, “Scooter” started the season on the disabled list following shoulder surgery that sidelined him for the last month-plus of 2017. Conforto struggled entering the All-Star break, hitting just .216 at the All-Star Break. Entering Tuesday the 18th game against Philadelphia, Conforto was slashing .278/.346/.547 with a 140 OPS+ in the second half.

Michael appears to finally be healthy, and is reaping the benefits. He is proving that he can return to All-Star form, and be a major piece for the Mets in the years to come.

Honorable Mentions: Zack Wheeler, Jeff McNeil, Peter Alonso.

Who do you think the next face of the franchise will be?