2015 was the best season that the Mets have had in the 2010’s, by far. Highlighted by a World Series appearance, the Mets also took the division crown during a heated race with the rival Washington Nationals. A lot of wild things needed to happen that season for the Mets to get to the World Series, including transactions that would went on to help the Mets get to that point. Sure, that season is known for the Yoenis Cespedes trade, and Cespedes was a major part of the team making it. His .309 average, 17 home runs, and 42 RBIs in his first 41 games with the team were the type of contribution that the team needed. But remember when the Mets traded for Juan Uribe?

For the better part of the 2015 season, the Mets were as inconsistent as a team could be. They struggled to hit score runs, yet they blasted balls out of the park. The team was even 40-40 at one point. With David Wright injured, Sandy Alderson knew he had to bring in a veteran infield presence. He instead brought two in on July 24th with the addition of Uribe and Kelly Johnson from the Atlanta Braves. So, they sent minor league pitchers John Gant and Rob Whalen to the Braves in exchange for the two utility players. Just on the surface, the Mets won this trade based on what the two veterans brought to the team. Whalen currently has a 1-3 record and 6.47 ERA in 7 games pitched in his career, and Gant is 1-5 with a 4.81 ERA. Uribe finished with 6 home runs and 20 RBIs, and held the place of Wright well. Johnson hit .250 for the team and provided depth at almost every position for the team. That was an important trade.

After an 80 game suspension to Jenrry Mejia, the Mets knew they would need some bullpen depth if they wanted to be able to compete later in the season. They attempted to address this before the season started, acquiring Jerry Blevins for Matt denDecker. While denDecker has found his way back to the Mets, there is no doubt that Blevins has become a staple in the Mets bullpen as a dependable lefty. Later in the season however, the Mets knew they needed more help. They addressed this by acquiring Tyler Clippard from the Oakland Athletics.

Clippard went on to be a crucial set up man for closer Jeurys Familia. Clippard was a steady reliever for the Mets, and they were able to use him heavily. They traded away Casey Meisner, who is still in the minor league system of the Oakland Athletics. They also acquired Addison Reed, who was another staple of the bullpen for the past two seasons over the past two seasons. They acquired him for Matt Koch, who has appeared in 18 major league innings, and Miller Diaz. Diaz has yet to crack the major leagues.

2015 was by far the most entertaining season for the Mets since 2006. It had lows, such as getting no hit twice. It also had highs, such as sweeping the Nationals at home, down three games in the division. Many transactions were made, even including the purchase of Eric Young Jr.’s contract to add speed to the lineup. The transactions are what shaped the team however, and most, if not all of them, turned out well in favor of the Mets.

One comment on “Looking back at the odd transactions of the 2015 season

  • TexasGusCC

    Fun times, fun times.

    If it wasn’t for Danbrowski playing hardball, it would have been a perfect summer. I hope Alderson paid him back on the Reed deal. Three nice arms, although not a Cy Young candidate, is pretty good in today’s deals. Let’s see at least two because solid contributors.

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