3 blockbuster NY Mets trades that changed the franchise for the best, 2 that didn't

The Gary Carter trade completed a Mets championship roster

The Mets weren’t quite there after adding Hernandez in 1983. The rise of Dwight Gooden had things chugging along well. It was the pre-1985 trade for Gary Carter that solidified the ball club as true championship contenders. Yes, they’d need to wait another year to make it to the playoffs and win. Clearly, by the time the 1985 season was over with, many saw how close they already were.

Carter was a star Montreal Expos catcher whose career might have never been as appreciated if he stayed exclusively in Canada. Only one trip to the postseason previous to joining the Mets where he batted over .400 in each series he played, the future Hall of Famer known as “The Kid” had no problem going under the spotlight of New York. All-Star appearances, Gold Gloves, and MVP votes were regular for him. Now he just had to do it with the Big Apple media reigning down on him.

Carter delivered in every way possible. A 32 home run, 100 RBI season in 1985 helped him finish third in the MVP race. He followed it up with another terrific offensive campaign in 1986, knocking 24 home runs and driving in 105.

The co-captain of the Mets alongside Hernandez, the only thing similar about this trade and the one for Fregosi was that it cost four players. Carter managed to stay healthier despite the toll catching took on his body. The trade was a roaring success and reminds one of the most talked about ever executed by the franchise.