Judging The Past: Best And Worst Trades In New York Mets History

3. OF Preston Wilson, P Geoff Goetz, P Ed Yarnall to Florida Marlins for Mike Piazza (May, 1988)

As perhaps the best hitter to ever wear blue and orange, Piazza will be the fourth man, and second player, to have his number retired as a Met. Piazza was inducted to the Hall of Fame on Sunday, July 24, 2016.

Piazza was a better hitter than Carter, but I’ve factored in defense and pitching success as well.

More importantly, though, Carter was an imperative component to a World Series team, as opposed to Piazza’s crucial role to a National League Champion team, in 2000. That’s why Carter gets the edge.

 Gary Carter