The Worst Trade in Mets History

 We've covered what is considered the "best" trade the Mets have made before, but we all know the Metropolitans aren't famously known for making intelligent trades. So let's cover one that is arguably known as the worst trade in team history, and one of the worst all time in baseball...

In December 1971, the Mets decided that this young wild pitcher named Ryan wasn't worth their time to develop.

A control of 3 isn't bad for a young prospect, and even then you can see you're way more likely to walk against him than get a hit. Only 5 innings is a drawback, but hey, he was used out of the bullpen four times, so that might mess with the algorithm a bit. Ryan had a few not-quite-full-starter seasons behind him in Queens, but the Mets weren't committed to giving him a full season in the rotation, and they needed someone to play 3rd, so they made a deal out west with the California Angels.

Ryan didn't leave alone, the Mets also traded:

(Not pictured: Frank Estrada. 1 hit in 2 at bats in 1971. Never played again.)

Rose had good control but a vomit inducing chart that gives out doubles at 18+. Stanton was a terrible pinch hitter. Neither one would be missed. Needless to say, Ryan was the headliner the Mets were sending out.

So....

How did it work out?

Jim Fregosi had never played 3rd base before, but no big deal, right? From 1963-1970 Jim was either an All-Star or was getting MVP votes or both. In 1971 he missed time with a foot tumor and the Mets took a chance that he could rebound. They were wrong.
Fregosi didn't exactly set the NL on fire, and after a season and a half, the Mets got rid of him. Not the worst card on your bench, but you won't have to look hard to find a better player. 1972 was more injuries for Jim, and he never again was an All-Star or received a since MVP vote.

The Angels got away with one.

Rose and Stanton weren't the best ever and Estrada never played...but that Ryan kid ended up being pretty good.