As we approach the trade deadline and we hear about the players that may be dealt from the current 2017 team, I thought it would be a good time to look at what I feel are the three best past New York Mets trades, and raise the optimism swirling around this year’s team and into the future.
How would you rank these trades in order of 1-3 or do you have other ones that you feel should have made the list?
Here’s my top three…
1. MIKE PIAZZA
In May of 1998 Preston Wilson, Geoff Goetz and Ed Yarnall were traded to the Marlins for Mike Piazza.
The Mets needed a star, a face of the organization. And boy did Mike Piazza fill that void. From his home-run to win the September 21, 2001 game against the Braves, to him being inducted into the Hall of Fame as a Met in 2016, there may not be a more a beloved Met for anyone born after 1975. Piazza played eight seasons with the Mets and during his tenure here he batted .296 with 220 home-runs, and 655 RBI. He made seven All-Star teams as a Met, earned five silver slugger awards, and was so clutch in big spots.
In comparison, Preston Wilson went on to have a decent career which included the five years in Florida where he batted .262 and stole 104 bases. Geoff Goetz never made it to the Major Leagues. Ed Yarnall only pitched 7 major league games, all for the Yankees, not the Marlins.
2. KEITH HERNANDEZ
In June of 1983, Keith Hernandez was traded to the Mets for Neil Allen and Rick Owbey.
Keith Hernandez, was made co-captain and not only provided a gold glove in the field, but was a consistent hitter, and general on the field. Hernandez played six and half years with the Mets. During his time with the Mets he batted .297 compiled 80 home runs. 468 RBI, made three all-star teams, won six gold gloves, and helped bring home a World Series during that tenure.
The departed Neil Allen went on to pitch three years for the Cardinals compiling a record of 20-16 and an ERA of 3.84. Rick Owbey only pitched in thirty-nine games at the Major League level, twenty-one with Cardinals where he went 1-6 with a 4.09 ERA.
3. GARY CARTER
In December of 1984 the Mets acquired Gary Carter for Hubie Brooks, Mike Fitzgerald, Herm Winningham and Floyd Youmans.
Hubie Brooks had a pretty good career, collecting 149 home-runs and 824 RBI. Mike Fitzgerald was an average catcher. Herm Winningham’s best year he hit .251. Floyd Youmans only pitched for five years.
Gary Carter, or better known as “Kid” on the other hand, has forever etched himself in the hearts of Met’s fans. It’s hard to believe he played only five seasons for the Mets. Those five seasons were magical including having himself named co-captain of the team. He won four gold gloves in the five years, hit 89 home-runs and 349 RBI, while doing a great job with the pitching staff.
Tomorrow we will look at some of the worst trades in New York Mets history.
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