May 22, 1998: The New York Mets, chasing a playoff spot, are a middle of the order hitter away from getting over the hump. The team acquires catcher Mike Piazza from the then-Florida Marlins for a package around Preston Wilson.
July 31, 2015. The Mets are once again chasing a playoff spot, and once again lack a marquee bat. The team acquires outfielder Yoenis Cespedes from the Detroit Tigers for a package around Michael Fulmer.
Both players were 29-years-old and entering their final season before becoming free agents. When healthy, Cespedes is and Piazza was an elite hitter with the ability to transform a lineup just by being on the card.