43. Armando Benitez

Armando Benítez's arrival in Flushing before the 1999 season introduced a fearsome mix of high-velocity pitches and unpredictable volatility to the Mets' bullpen. Traded from Baltimore in a three-team deal, the tall right-hander was initially assigned to a setup role behind John Franco. Nevertheless, Benítez's dominant arsenal, centered on a blazing fastball and a deadly split-finger, rapidly led to a change in leadership, making him the go-to closer for the final three outs.

His first full season as the closer in 2000 marked a career-high moment that contributed to the Mets reaching the Subway Series. Benítez recorded 41 saves with an excellent 2.61 ERA and struck out 106 batters in 76 innings. However, this season also highlighted the conflicting aspects of his reputation in Queens; although his regular-season stats were outstanding, his notable errors in October, including a blown save in Game 1 of the World Series versus the Yankees, significantly damaged his relationship with fans, making every ninth-inning appearance feel like walking a tightrope.

Despite increasing postseason pressure, his regular-season performance peaked in 2001. Benítez utilized his power skills to achieve 43 saves, with a remarkable 1.85 ERA, and held opposing batters to just a .162 average. His impressive summer performance earned him the National League Rolaids Relief Man Award, confirming his status as one of the top closers in the sport, despite local critics still focusing on his rare, intense meltdowns.

The heavy usage persisted through the 2002 campaign, with him surpassing 30 saves for the third year in a row. By 2003, the team's competitive window had closed, and the roster was in transition. Benítez earned his first All-Star selection that July by recording 21 saves, but as his contract was nearing its end and the team was out of contention, the front office acted quickly.

Just days after the midsummer classic, management traded him to the crosstown Yankees, ending a tumultuous five-year tenure in Queens. He left the Mets with 160 saves, placing him near the franchise's all-time leaders. His legacy is mixed: marked by moments of historical, game-changing prowess, yet also defined by a few costly, high-pressure failures that remain etched in memory.