New York Mets History: Mets Trade Nolan Ryan
By David Hill
The New York Mets needed a third baseman. With that being the case, they sent promising young fireballer Nolan Ryan and three other prospects to the California Angels for six time All Star Jim Fregosi. It turned out to be a steal – for the Angels.
The New York Mets needed a third baseman. Their incumbent starter, Bob Aspromonte, had hit at a .225/.285/.301 clip, with only 15 extra base hits. Backup Wayne Garrett was even worse, with a .213/.310/.238 batting line, with three extra base hits in 235 at bats. They desperately needed more production at the hot corner.
Meanwhile, the Mets had a plethora of young arms. Tom Seaver had established himself as one of the best pitchers in the National League, while Jerry Koosman and Jon Matlack were considered future stars. The Mets also had Nolan Ryan, an enigmatic hard thrower whose lack of control kept him from reaching his full potential.
With the California Angels looking for young players, they sent former six time All Star Jim Fregosi to the New York Mets. In exchange, they received Ryan and three other prospects. As Fregosi had been limited to a .233/.317/.326 batting line due to foot issues that required surgery, it was expected that he would perform better once healthy.
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At least, that was the expectation. The reality was that the Mets ended up making one of the worst trades in MLB history. Fregosi would only spent a season and a half in New York, posting a mediocre .233/.319/.328 batting line before being sent to Texas. Although he would not return to his former All Star level, he quickly rediscovered his ability to hit with the Rangers.
Ryan, meanwhile, went from being a talented prospect to finally putting everything together. He became an instant star in California, leading the American League in shutouts and strikeouts while making his first All Star Game. Ryan set a record with 383 strikeouts in the following season, and began his path towards legendary status.
The trade that sent Jim Fregosi to the New York Mets worked out….for the California Angels. Nolan Ryan became one of the greatest pitchers in MLB history, and the Mets would regret that trade for the next two decades.