NY Mets: Five worst December trades the team has ever made

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BRONX, NY – JUNE 30: First baseman Mo Vaughn #42 of the New York Mets stands on second base during the MLB game against the New York Yankees on June 30, 2002 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. The Yankees won 8-0. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

3) Mo Vaughn joins the Mets and does almost nothing

This Mets trade had bad news written all over it from the start. Looking for some pop, the franchise made a trade with the Los Angeles Angels on December 27, 2001. The deal turned out to do very little for the Mets and a whole lot more for the Angels. It sent Kevin Appier to the Angeles in exchange for Mo Vaughn.

Vaughn didn’t play at all in 2001 due to injury so the Mets were already taking a risk. However, when he did last take the field in 2000, he slugged 36 home runs and drove in 117. Would they get the same consistent power hitter from the last several seasons?

They wouldn’t.

Vaughn did manage to swat 26 dingers in 2002 while hitting .259. It wasn’t a horrific year for him. The better way to put it is disappointing.

The following season, however, things were worse. Battling through injuries, Vaughn only appeared in 27 games for the Mets. He hit .190 and knocked just three home runs. Thoughts on this trade aren’t helped much either by the fact that he made over $17 million in 2004 without playing a single game.

Meanwhile, over in California, Appier enjoyed a solid regular season for the Angels. He went 14-12 with a 3.92 ERA in 32 starts. Although he wasn’t pitching well, he may have enjoyed the postseason more. The Angels went on to win the 2002 World Series.

This trade stings in a few ways. The Mets got a player who didn’t do much and the player they traded away won a championship with his new ball club.

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