3 worst Mets trades since Steve Cohen took over as owner

2) NY Mets worst trade since Steve Cohen took over: Joey Lucchesi from the Padres

Joey Lucchesi came to the Mets in a three-team trade prior to the 2021 season. He was used on a limited basis in 2021, logging 38.1 total innings as a starter and reliever. Tommy John Surgery ended his year about midway through. He wasn’t able to get back on the major league field again in 2022 which only makes this trade a little worse.

Lucchesi’s lack of playing time is only a part of why this is a weak trade under the Cohen regime. The 4.46 ERA he delivered in 2021 is the tip of this tale.

The trade itself included the San Diego Padres and the Pittsburgh Pirates. For a little irony, this was the same trade that sent Joe Musgrove from Pittsburgh to San Diego. Mets fans will know Musgrove best as the man who helped take them down in Game 3 of the NLWC Series while putting them away for good.

But as far as the trade goes, the Mets essentially sent minor leaguer Endy Rodriguez to Pittsburgh to receive Lucchesi from San Diego. Rodriguez had a huge year on the farm in 2022. He slashed .323/.407/.590 in 531 trips to the plate. He added 25 home runs and drove in 95. These numbers come from combined totals from Single-A all the way up to Triple-A.

Rodriguez is now a true prospect for the Pirates. Capable of catching but also playing other positions as well, the Mets should already wish they had this deal back.