New York Mets: The 5 Best Moves Since 2005

Since 2005, the New York Mets have gone from a sub-.500 team to one of the elite teams in Major League Baseball. This has been thanks to some incredible trades and signings pulled off by the legendary Omar Minaya. From when it all began, the Pedro Martinez signing, to the latest acquisitions, Omar Minaya has dominated the free agent and trade market ever since he took charge of the New York Mets.

Note: JJ Putz and Francisco Rodriguez are not part of this list due to not having played a game yet for the New York Mets.

Number 5: The Throw-In

On January 21, 2006, the Mets dumped Kris Benson, sending him to the Orioles in exchange for Jorge Julio and 'another' player, a throw-in. This player, who was only an afterthought to reporters reporting this trade, is John Maine.

John Maine is now a leader of the New York Mets, and one of the top pitchers in baseball. Without John Maine, the Mets would be in a far worse position than they are right now.

Omar Minaya made a steal when he made this trade, and this trade will be remembered forever by Mets fans.

Number 4: The Slugger

On November 23, 2005, the New York Mets struck gold: They traded a little-known, young player - Mike Jacobs, for one of the best hitters in baseball, Carlos Delgado.

Ever since Carlos Delgado has come to the Mets, even through struggles, he has been a leader and a mentor for young players.

Number 3: The Five-Tool Player

The New York Yankees were the favorite. But here came the five-tool player, fresh off the greatest postseason performance of all time, signing with the New York Mets. This was Carlos Beltran, who had just emerged as a star player. The Mets gave him $119 Million for seven years, and despite struggles in his first year, Beltran has become a leader for the New York Mets and has led the Mets to many great things.

Number 2: The Player-Magnet

How can a player who had 32 wins in four seasons for the New York Mets be No. 2 on this list? It's easy. Pedro Martinez, when he signed with the New York Mets, was an MLB icon. Once he signed with the Mets in 2005, Pedro brought many star players over to the New York Mets, like Carlos Beltran. Players wanted security knowing they would be on a good team, and seeing that Pedro has just signed with the Mets, it gave them an assuring comfort. Pedro Martinez, although his career with the Mets has been injury-plagued, is still one of the most valuable players the Mets have ever had.

Number 1: The Ace

Johan Santana is the single greatest signing the New York Mets have ever made. Every single game, Johan comes to the mound with an assuring confidence and fiery attitude. Never since the 80s have the Mets had such a gutsy, fiery, star pitcher like this. On September 27, 2008, Johan Santana put up one of the greatest performances in Mets history: Shutting out the Marlins on three days rest, and giving the Mets one final chance for the playoffs.

Johan Santana will be a leader of the Mets and star of baseball for many years to come. He is the greatest pitcher the Mets have had since Tom Seaver.