Mets: Three trades with the Twins that changed the franchise

February 2, 2008 – Mets acquire Johan Santana

The day was February 2, 2008. Nobody knew what the trade for Johan Santana would eventually mean for the Mets. Still a talented team hoping to win a World Series, it was a big deal to boost the rotation and gave New York a shot at making up for their collapse in 2007.

This was another big deal that cost multiple players. Among the four that went to Minnesota, Carlos Gomez was by far the best. He would go on to become a star briefly with the Milwaukee Brewers several years later. As you may recall, he even rejoined the Mets in 2019 as a minor league free agent.

Those players sent to the Twins didn’t change their team. Santana did manage to make his mark on the orange and blue.

When Mets fans think of Santana, they think of one moment. On June 1, 2012, Santana tossed the first no-hitter in club history. Nobody else has thrown one since, leaving him on a pedestal all by himself.

Santana had more than just one great game. In 2008, he led the league with a 2.53 ERA. The two-time Cy Young winner with the Twins finished third in the voting during his first year with New York.

Santana pitched well again in 2009 and 2010 before injuries took their toll on his career. He ultimately finished his time with the Mets owning a 3.18 ERA and 46 wins.

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The club never did make the playoffs during his stint with them. It was truly a shame because Santana was one of the best Mets pitchers of all-time. He just didn’t get a chance to pitch long enough or in the most important games.