New York Mets: Top 5 Players Drafted That Went Unsigned
2. Rafael Palmeiro, 71.9 WAR
In the 8th round of the 1982 draft, the New York Mets selected Rafael Palmeiro, though Rafi was a strong commit to Mississippi State University and chose to go that route.
At MSU Palmeiro proceeded to set school and Southeastern Conference records as if it were his job. He left being the all-time home run leader of both as well as being the first player in SEC history to win the Triple Crown, which he accomplished in 1984.
After three years at State and nothing left to accomplish, Palmeiro entered the draft again and was selected with the 22nd pick in the first round by the Chicago Cubs (the Mets selected Gregg Jeffries two picks earlier).
Just as he had done in college, Palmeiro did in the majors. He played twenty seasons and reached a lot of offensive milestones. He’s a member of the 3000 hit club, 500 home run club and knocked in over 1800 ribbies in his time in professional baseball.
Aside from being a Silver Slugger, he was a Gold Glove first baseman. Yes, he was summoned to Capitol Hill to speak on steroids, which he adamantly denied taking, before failing a PED test later. The Mets would have traded that for his on-field production prior.