Before Sept. 1 roster expansion, the two teams that had used the most players they originally signed to the organization via the draft, undrafted free agents or internationals signings were the Mets with 26 and the Yankees with 23.

The Yankees’ total is based on an improved farm system with such players as Greg Bird, Rob Refsnyder and Luis Severino making their debuts. But a lot of it had to do with roster manipulation as the Yankees always tried to keep fresh arms in the bullpen by moving relievers up and down, including such homegrown entities as Danny Burawa, Caleb Cotham, Nick Goody, Branden Pinder, Jose Ramiez, Nick Rumbelow and Matt Tracy.

The Mets, meanwhile, have used originally signed pieces as the major force in soaring to first place. We have seen the first wave of players brought in under Sandy Alderson have an impact, such as Michael Conforto, Kevin Plawecki and – to some extent – Logan Verrett. Plus, just about every key prospect used in the Mets’ recent trading spree — such as Michael Fulmer, Robert Whalen and Casey Meisner — was drafted during Alderson’s term.

But the influence of his predecessor continues to be felt with players who joined the Mets organization when Omar Minaya was the GM: Jacob deGrom, Lucas Duda, Jeurys Familia, Wilmer Flores, Matt Harvey, Juan Lagares, Steven Matz, Daniel Murphy and Ruben Tejada.