As General Manager, Harazin made several significant moves. He signed free agent Bobby Bonilla to a then-record five-year, $29 million contract, making Bonilla the highest-paid player in baseball at the time. He also traded fan-favorite Gregg Jefferies and two other players to the Kansas City Royals for pitcher Bret Saberhagen and infielder Bill Pecota.
However, Harazin's tenure was marked by controversy and criticism. The team's performance on the field was disappointing, with the Mets finishing in fifth place in their division in 1992. The Bonilla signing, in particular, was heavily criticized as Bonilla failed to live up to expectations and had a tumultuous relationship with the New York media.
Harazin's handling of the team's personnel also drew criticism. He fired manager Bud Harrelson midway through the 1991 season, replacing him with Mike Cubbage on an interim basis before hiring Jeff Torborg for the 1992 season. Torborg's tenure was unsuccessful, and he was fired early in the 1993 season.
In addition to the team's poor performance, Harazin was criticized for his handling of the media and his perceived lack of transparency. He was known for his reclusive nature and was often accused of being out of touch with the team's fan base.
Harazin resigned as General Manager in June 1993, citing the intense pressure and scrutiny that came with the job. His resignation came amidst a disastrous season for the Mets, who finished with a record of 59-103, the worst in the team's history at the time.
Despite his short and tumultuous tenure as General Manager, Harazin's contributions to the Mets during the 1980s should not be overlooked. He was a key figure in the team's front office during one of the most successful periods in franchise history. However, his time as General Manager is largely remembered for its controversies and the team's poor performance on the field.
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