New York Mets fans may be hoping that general manager Sandy Alderson makes a deal before the Major League Baseball non-waiver trade deadline on Tuesday, July 31. However, some of the best trades in Mets history have gone down in the offseason. Here's a look at eight great trades in franchise history.
Say Hello to HoJo (December 7, 1984) -- It didn't seem like a big deal at the time when the Mets sent Walt Terrell to the Detroit Tigers for Howard Johnson. However, Johnson went on to post big numbers in New York, including in 1991 when he led the National League with 38 home runs and 117 RBIs. Furthermore, Johnson ranks in the Mets' all-time top five in runs scored, home runs and RBIs.
Playing Sweet Music (July 31, 1989) - The Mets obtained lefty Frank Viola from the Minnesota Twins for five players at the trade deadline in 1989. Viola, who captured the American League Cy Young Award a year earlier, only pitched two full seasons in New York. In one of them, in 1990, he won 20 games.
One for the Agee (December 15, 1967) -- Agee, who was traded to the Mets from the Chicago White Sox in 1967, helped the team win its first world championship in 1969. He belted a career-high 26 home runs that year for the Mets, who went on to upset the Baltimore Orioles in the World Series.
Big-Game Bob (November 13, 1985) -- The Mets lifted lefty Bob Ojeda from the Boston Red Sox in a multi-player trade in 1985. His greatest contributions to the franchise were in 1986, when he went 18-5 and won a pair of key postseason games, including Game 3 of the World Series against the Red Sox.
Making a Twins Killing (February 2, 2008) -- The Mets stole Santana, a two-time Cy Young winner, from the Twins in 2008 for a bunch of no-names. The lefty won 40 games in his first three seasons in New York before missing the entire 2011 season due to shoulder surgery. However, Santana returned to the mound this season and pitched the first no-hitter in franchise history on June 1.
Mex Goes to the Mets (June 15, 1983) -- Keith Hernandez, who won the N.L. MVP Award in 1979, was traded to the Mets by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1984 for Neil Allen and Rick Ownbey. An all-time fan favorite, the smooth-fielding Hernandez was a key member of the Mets' 1986 championship team.
Piazza Delivery (May 22, 1998) -- Mike Piazza came to the Mets in 1988, eight days after being traded to the Florida Marlins from the Los Angeles Dodgers. His arrival at Shea Stadium revitalized the franchise. Behind Piazza, the Mets reached the 1999 N.L. Championship Series and 2000 World Series. His 220 home runs and 655 RBIs rank second- and third-most in franchise history, respectively.
Kid Comes to New York (December 10, 1984) -- Viewed by many fans as the trade that put the Mets over the top, Carter came to New York from Montreal in exchange for four players in 1984. In his first game as a Met, he belted a walk-off home run at Shea Stadium -- the rest, as they say, is history. One of the most beloved figures in team history, Carter helped lead the Mets win the 1986 World Series title.
More Mets content from this Yahoo! contributor:
Five Foolish Trades in Mets History: Fan's TakeFive New York Mets We Loved to Hate: Fan's Take
Adam Martini is a freelance sportswriter who grew up in Queens, N.Y. with a view of Shea Stadium from his bedroom window. He spent many nights in the upper deck at Shea rooting for the Mets. You can follow him on Twitter @PegCitySports.
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