As we approach Thanksgiving, we sit on the cusp of the Hot Stove heating up. While fans refresh their feeds to see if the Mets land prized free agents like Juan Soto, Corbin Burnes, or Max Fried, it’s fun to take a trip down memory lane and revisit impactful winter transactions from past offseasons.
1995 :On this day in Mets history, the team made two significant roster moves. One reshaped the pitching staff through a notable trade, and the other saw the addition of a young infielder to the 40-man roster who would become a franchise cornerstone. Additionally, we’ll revisit another winter trade that sent Mike Cameron to San Diego for Xavier Nady, a move that, while polarizing at the time, played a pivotal role in shaping the Mets' roster in the years to come.
Jeromy Burnitz to Cleveland for Dave Mlicki, Jerry DiPoto, and Paul Byrd
In an effort to strengthen their pitching depth, Mets General Manager Joe McIlvaine traded outfielder Jeromy Burnitz to the Cleveland Indians for righthanded pitchers Dave Mlicki, Jerry DiPoto, and Paul Byrd. At the time, Burnitz had underperformed with the Mets, batting just .238 with three home runs in 45 games during the 1994 season. His work ethic and decision not to play winter ball had reportedly strained his relationship with manager Dallas Green, making him expendable.
“I still believe Burnitz has the potential to be a solid player,” McIlvaine remarked at the time, “but his value on the market and the Indians’ depth in pitching made this a deal we had to consider.”
For the Mets, the trade produced mixed results:
Dave Mlicki, provided stability in the rotation from 1995 to 1998, delivering memorable moments like a shutout victory in the inaugural Subway Series game in 1997.
Jerry DiPoto, after recovering from thyroid cancer, was a solid bullpen contributor and had a stint as closer before being traded to Colorado.
Paul Byrd, despite his potential, made minimal impact with the Mets before being dealt away.
Meanwhile, Burnitz found his greatest success after leaving Cleveland, particularly with the Milwaukee Brewers, where he became a perennial power hitter and an All-Star.
Edgardo Alfonzo Added to the 40-Man Roster
On the same day, the Mets made a quieter but far more impactful move: they added infielder Edgardo Alfonzo to their 40-man roster. Alfonzo, coming off a strong season with Double-A Binghamton, was a promising prospect who had shown defensive versatility and offensive potential.
Alfonzo debuted with the Mets in 1995 and quickly became a cornerstone of the franchise. Known for his clutch hitting, stellar defense, and leadership, Alfonzo was instrumental in the Mets’ playoff runs in 1999 and 2000, earning an All-Star nod in 2000. His highlights include iconic postseason performances and offensive production that ranks among the best in Mets history.
By recognizing Alfonzo’s potential and protecting him in the roster shuffle, the Mets secured one of the most complete players in franchise history.
2005 :Mike Cameron Traded to San Diego for Xavier Nady
Fast forward to another winter move: Omar Minaya, facing limited options due to Mike Cameron’s injuries, 10-team no-trade clause, and preference to return to center field, traded him to the San Diego Padres for outfielder Xavier Nady. The trade came in the wake of Cameron’s collision with Carlos Beltrán, which had sidelined him and raised questions about his durability.
Cameron, a multiple Gold Glove winner, rebounded with a stellar 2006 season for the Padres, hitting .268/.355/.482 with 22 home runs and elite defense in center field. He played a key role in San Diego’s postseason push.
Nady, meanwhile, brought offensive potential to the Mets. He got off to a strong start in 2006, hitting .264/.326/.487 with 14 home runs before being traded midseason for Roberto Hernandez and Oliver Pérez. Pérez became a key piece in the Mets’ playoff run, making Nady’s tenure short but impactful in an indirect way.
Looking Back
These moves highlight the complexities of roster-building: the Burnitz trade addressed immediate needs but underscored the risk of trading young talent; adding Alfonzo to the 40-man roster showcased the value of homegrown development; and the Cameron-for-Nady trade reflected the balancing act between immediate returns and long-term vision.
As the Mets enter another offseason filled with high hopes, these historical transactions serve as a reminder that the moves made during the winter can shape the team’s future in ways both expected and surprising.
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