How 2005 actually went.
Omar Minaya and new manager Willie Randolph gave the Mets a more ambitious direction. Pedro Martínez arrived with star power and pitched brilliantly, Carlos Beltrán signed the largest contract in club history, and the organization clearly intended to challenge Atlanta instead of waiting through another slow rebuild.
Beltrán’s first year was difficult, including a frightening outfield collision with Mike Cameron, but Wright became a full star and Reyes returned to shortstop. The young pair played nearly every day and gave the lineup speed, power, and a clear identity. Pedro’s starts turned Shea into an event even when the rest of the roster remained uneven.
The Mets finished 83–79, their first winning season since 2001. They were not yet a playoff team, but the pieces were obvious: Wright, Reyes, Beltrán, Pedro, and a front office willing to make major moves. Piazza’s Mets career ended after the season, closing one era just as the next core became ready to carry the franchise.
Pedro brought the crowd back, while Wright and Reyes made sure the excitement had somewhere to grow.