Ranking The 5 Best Trade Acquisitions In Mets History
By Daniel Friedman
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The Mets have been red hot since the trade deadline and are now seven games up on the Washington Nationals. They've done this largely on the backs of players they traded for; namely Yoenis Cespedes, but Kelly Johnson, Juan Uribe and Tyler Clippard have contributed as well.
Cespedes is certainly in the discussion for best trade pickup of the year, and he's automatically one of the best in team history. But is he No. 1 on the Mets' list? Let's find out:
5. Johan Santana
Santana never lasted as long as the Mets hoped he would -- mainly due to injuries -- but he did throw the only no-hitter in franchise history. That has to be worth something. He was phenomenal when healthy and a treat to watch. It's a shame things didn't work out in the end.
4. Yoenis Cespedes
If we're talking about individual performance, Cespedes rockets to the top of this list. He's had a tremendous influence in the dugout and has hit very well, but it remains to be seen how far the Mets will go (or if he'll still be here come next season).
3. Mike Piazza
He was the best hitter in franchise history and the best hitting catcher baseball has ever seen. He changed the Mets' reputation and reversed their fortunes overnight upon arrival.
2. Keith Hernandez
He was a leader on and off the field who played a big role in helping the Amazins' win the 1986 World Series title. He was not only a consistent hitter, but an excellent fielder as well.
1. Gary Carter
The "Kid" came from Montreal to New York and immediately made it clear he was a missing puzzle piece. In his very first game he walked off against the Cardinals in the 10th inning. Carter and Hernandez sit atop the leaderboard here because they helped win championships. There isn't much more you can possibly do that can top that.
