New York Mets: Top Ten most impactful trades in past twenty years

Jun 16, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Former Miami Marlins pitcher

(left) talks with Miami Heat analyst

ntino (right) before game against the New York Yankees at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

4.  February 6, 1998: The Florida Marlins trade Pitcher Al Leiter and Ralph Milliard to the New York Mets for Rob Stratton (minors), A.J. Burnett and Jesus Sanchez.

After the Florida Marlins won the World Series in 1997, becoming the fastest expansion team to do so at the time (In 2001 the Arizona Diamonbacks would eclipse them by winning the World Series in their fourth season). They proceeded to trade, release, or simply not resign their entire roster.

The Mets were beneficiaries of this fire sale as it led to their trade for southpaw pitcher Al Leiter. Leiter, who grew up in Tom’s River, New Jersey, became a fan favorite for his connections to the New York area, and his stellar clutch pitching. He had started Game 7 of the 1997 World Series for the Florida Marlins who went on to win the game and the series. In 1999, with the Mets in a one-game playoff against the Cincinnati Reds, he pitched a complete game two-hit shutout to clinch their first playoff birth since 1988. He won 95 games and had a 3.42 E.R.A. in his seven seasons with the Mets.

While A.J. Burnett has enjoyed success, it has not been in the spotlight and pressure of New York as Yankee fans can attest to. Sanchez was never a very good pitcher who retired with a career record of 23 wins and 34 losses.

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