MLB Power Rankings: Each team’s best trade ever

PHOENIX, UNITED STATES: Arizona Diamondbacks left fielder Luis Gonzalez (R) celebrates his game-winning RBI single in the bottom of the 9th inning off of New York Yankees relief pitcher Mariano Rivera (42) during Game 7 of the World Series in Phoenix, AZ, 04 November, 2001. The Diamondbacks defeated the New York Yankees 3-2, winning the series four games to three and become the 2001 world champions. AFP PHOTO/Timothy A. CLARY (Photo credit should read TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images) /

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New York Mets

The Keith Hernandez trade is definitely up there for the New York Mets – it helped net them a World Series title. However, Hernandez was not a star. Mike Piazza was a star. The Mets acquired Piazza from the Florida Marlins just five days after the Marlins traded for him. In exchange, the Mets sent two pitchers and outfielder Preston Wilson. Wilson went on to have some good years with the Marlins and the Rockies, but Piazza helped lead the Mets to the World Series in 2000. Piazza cemented his Hall of Fame career in New York.

Under manager Bobby Valentine, the Mets were known as a bunch of overachievers. They had no stars and they needed one to take them to the World Series. Piazza wound up being that guy. Not only was Piazza solid behind the plate, he was also arguably the best hitting catcher ever not named Johnny Bench. In eight seasons with the Mets, Piazza hit 220 home runs, batting .296 with a .915 OPS. He is among the franchise leaders in many categories.

Without Piazza, the Mets don’t make the 2000 World Series and they likely aren’t even a good team. Piazza is one of the rare athletes able to thrive in New York.

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