from the Marlins only to deal him to the Boston Red Sox for Sun-Woo Kim and a minor leaguer by the end of the month. The 2002 Expos ended up with an 83–79 record and second place in the National League East. The Expos finished with an identical 83–79 record and were very much in the wild card race when Minaya was denied permission to make the usual call-ups that MLB teams make in September. This, combined with the departure of star Vladimir Guerrero after the season, cost the Expos what little goodwill they still had in Montreal. The Expos went 67–95 in 2004 amid reports that their future in Montreal would soon end. When it was announced that the Expos would relocate to Washington, D.C. for the 2005 season, Minaya learned that with the move would come a new front office and coaching position. The half-season rental of Bartolo Colón made by Minaya made as general manager of the Expos is part of arguably one of the worst trades of the century, as it included the AL Cy Young Award winner in Lee and future All-Stars Brandon Phillips and Grady Sizemore. Minaya also dealt away a number of other young players that went on to enjoy significant success upon reaching the major league level. These included: Jason Bay (2004 Rookie of the Year, All-Star in 2005, 2006, & 2009, Top 25 in MVP Voting 2005 & 2006) Carl Pavano (2004 All-Star and Cy Young Award candidate) Chris Young (2007 All-Star) Return to the Mets After the Mets continued to struggle at the conclusion of the 2004 season, Mets owner Fred Wilpon asked Minaya to become the team's general manager. In Minaya's first offseason he made two significant free agent signings, adding pitcher Pedro Martínez and outfielder Carlos Beltrán. Signing Martinez helped raise the awareness of the Mets in Latin America, leading Minaya to remark that Martinez was "a guy that makes the brand." Under new manager Willie Randolph, the Mets improved from 71 wins in 2004 to 83 wins in , staying in the hunt for the postseason until the last week of the season. Minaya's work in the 2005 offseason would further shape the franchise, adding closer Billy Wagner, first baseman Carlos Delgado and veteran catcher Paul Lo Duca. He also strengthened the bench by adding utility infielder José Valentín, first baseman Julio Franco and outfielder Endy Chávez.