Following their 88 win season in 1997, the New York Mets came into their 1998 campaign as contenders for the postseason. Looking to add a thumper in their lineup to aid their hunt for October, they searched one out on the trade block. With opportunity looming, General Manager Steven Phillips went on to make a big splash. On May 22, 1998, he brought in future Hall of Fame catcher Mike Piazza.
Prior to the 1998 season, Piazza had been a household name as a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who had drafted him in the 62nd round of the 1988 MLB armature draft.