Over the recent years, the New York Mets have made some pretty good trade moves. Some moves were temporary, others were not, and some were just the Mets taking advantage of World Series teams.
The Best Trades In Recent Mets History
2021: Javier Baez And Trevor Williams Trade
In 2024, Javier Baez has been horrible; however, in 2021, Javier Baez may have been the best shortstop in the league. In 2021, the New York Mets, hungry for a playoff spot, traded top prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong away to the Chicago Cubs for Javier Baez and Trevor Williams. At the time, Baez had 22 home runs in 91 games; he was also a gold glove and one of the most sought-after players before the deadline. Meanwhile, Trevor Williams became vital to the Met’s success in 2022.
The Mets pulled off an excellent trade in this move, as Crow-Armstrong is slightly overrated regarding his all-around talent. Crow-Armstrong is very fast and has good defensive skills. However, he lacks a good bat. Baez ended up signing with the Tigers in 2022, but that was good because he is little more than an afterthought now. The Mets were a failure in 2021. However, the trade for Baez was not.
2023: Justin Verlander Trade
In 2023, the Mets traded a mediocre Justin Verlander away to the Astros for Drew Gilbert and Ryan Clifford in a move that does not seem very smart. The Mets signed Verlander to a two-year, 86.5-million-dollar deal, a vast waste of money because Verlander did not look nearly as good in 2023 as in 2022. Verlander’s numbers were insignificant during the trade, and the Mets may have pulled a fast one on Houston. The 41-year-old has only started 22 games for Houston and has put up mediocre numbers in those starts. Meanwhile, Drew Gilbert and Ryan Clifford have been great for the Mets in the minor leagues, and soon, New York might see these players take to the field in the big leagues.
2023: Max Scherzer Trade
This trade was not as good as the one to get Verlander out of New York. However, it was still good. At age 39, Max Scherzer was still doing well. However, the Mets knew there was no point in keeping an aged pitcher with so much left in the tank, and the Mets traded him away. The Mets traded away Scherzer and acquired Luisangel Acuna, who has done well in the minor leagues and may soon make his debut for New York. Just getting a promising player for the Mets was well worth the trade for the Mets. Luisangel Acuna does not possess the power of his brother, NL MVP Ronald Acuna Jr. Still, he has the speed and agility of his brother, and Acuna is a promising prospect.
In conclusion, the best trades in recent years have been something that should be repeated later when the Mets are to complete more deals.
Main Photo Credits: Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports
