Mets: Three trades with the Twins that changed the franchise

The New York Mets have made three trades with the Minnesota Twins that helped alter the franchise for the better.

The New York Mets and Minnesota Twins haven’t been regular trade partners over the years. The first actual trade took place in 1978 and the most recent was in 2008. While the trades are not plentiful, they have been impactful.

Even those lesser trades made by the Mets have included some familiar names. Wally Backman and Rick Reed were both traded to Minnesota at one point. Neither trade changed the franchise so it’s not on this list.

Instead, I want to focus on three trades that actually altered the franchise for the better. So, those looking for a Luis Castillo appearance can look elsewhere.

December 8, 1978 – Mets trade Jerry Koosman, acquire Jesse Orosco

Jerry Koosman and Jesse Orosco are two of the most important pitchers in Mets history. In 1969, Koosman was on the mound for the final out in the World Series. In 1986, it was Orosco’s turn to record the final out.

Amazingly, these two were actually traded for one another.

On December 8, 1978, the Mets continued their ongoing fire sale. A year and a half after they traded Tom Seaver, it was Koosman’s turn to get dealt.

In what would become the first actual trade between the Mets and Twins, minor leaguer Greg Field and a player to be named later were sent to New York for Koosman. The player ended up becoming one of the greatest closers in franchise history, Orosco.

It’s no secret how this trade altered the team’s history. Without Orosco closing out games for a number of years, they may have never enjoyed their 1986 World Series Championship.

This deal was a literal one door closing and another opening scenario.

July 31, 1989 – Mets acquired Frank Viola

In what was one of the best trade deadline deals ever made by the Mets, the team managed to acquire the reigning American League Cy Young winner right at the 1989 deadline. The man, Frank Viola, was a native New Yorker ready to bring his talents to the National League for the first time.

Viola was coming off a year where he won a league-leading 24 games. One year earlier, he won the World Series with the Twins and was named the World Series MVP.

Viola wasn’t having as great of a season in 1989. Through 24 starts with Minnesota, his record sat at 8-12. He also had a 3.79 ERA which was underwhelming after two great years in a row.

The change of scenery worked out well for Viola. He made 12 starts of the 1989 Mets, going 5-5 with a 3.38 ERA. He followed it up with an even better season in 1990. Viola won 20 games while pitching to a 2.67 ERA. He kept the Mets competitive in what would become essentially their final run during the golden era of the franchise.

To acquire Viola, it cost quite a bit. Rick Aguilera, Tim Drummond, Kevin Tapani, and David West were all sent directly to the Twins. Later on, they added in Jack Savage.

Several of the players involved went on to have successful careers with the Twins. We can look at this trade as a win for the Mets. We can also look at it as a “what if.”

The Amazins swung big to land one of the league’s best arms. It didn’t work out in the standings but seemed to be worth it.