5 pitchers who failed to turn into aces with the Mets

Bill Denehy showed tons of promise for the Mets

Denehy was able to break into the major leagues at only the age of 21, as he impressed in the minors since the Mets drafted him. In 1965, Denehy led the New York Penn League in wins, and after, won nine out of 11 decisions in AA Williamsport.

With these accolades, Denehy had similar expectations to another Mets youngster: Tom Seaver. The two were considered the front of the Mets' lineup for years to come. In his New York debut, he only let up two earned runs, but the Mets were shutout.

In his early Mets career, Denehy went 0-4 with a 3.47 ERA, but, on May 3 1967, he tore his rotator cuff against the San Francisco Giants. Still, he was pitching for New York both in relief as a starter, though the injury was affecting his throwing. Soon enough, Denehy was 1-7 with a 4.50 ERA in 15 appearances; he was sent down to the minor leagues.

The Mets ended up trading Denehy for to-be-manager Gil Hodges. He remains one of the only players to be traded for a manager.