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MLB Power Rankings: 10 Worst Trades of All Time
With Opening Day just under a week away, let’s look back at the worst trades in MLB history. While we will be using the power of hindsight when analyzing these transactions, the team on the losing side would like a re-do.
No. 10: Blue Jays Acquire Josh Donaldson From Oakland
Josh Donaldson spent the first four seasons of his MLB career with the Oakland Athletics, where he held a solid .268/.347/.458 slash line. However, the Athletics decided to part ways with their best hitter in return for Kendal Graveman, Sean Nolin, Franklin Barreto, and Brett Lawrie. While Graveman had a few productive seasons in Oakland, it did not compare to Donaldson. Donaldson went on to win the AL MVP during his first season in Toronto and held a .947 OPS during his first three seasons.
No. 9: White Sox Sent Fernando Tatis Jr. To San Diego
The Chicago White Sox Fernando Tatis Jr. to the San Diego Padres in exchange for pitcher James Shields. Shields was an excellent pitcher at the start of his career but held a high 4.78 ERA with a 1.35 WHIP during his final two seasons in Chicago. Tatis went on to be an MVP candidate and the face of the San Diego Padres. Tatis is a two-time Silver Slugger and holds a .279/.350/.553 line through five seasons.
No. 8: Astros Acquire Yordan Alvarez
The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired relief pitcher Josh Fields in exchange for outfielder Yordan Alvarez. While Fields was not a bad relief pitcher, Alvarez developed into one of the best hitters in the sport. Alvarez went on to win the 2022 World Series in Houston, be a three-time All-Star, and a Silver Slugger. Through six seasons in Houston, Alvarez has held a .298/.390/.583 slash line.
No. 7: Cardinals Acquire Ozzie Smith From San Diego
The San Diego Padres traded the future Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith to the St. Louis Cardinals in 1981 in exchange for Garry Templeton, Luis DeLeon, and Sixto Lezcano. While Templeton was productive at times, Smith became one of the best players in MLB history. Smith would develop into one of the top defensive shortstops in history. He was a 13-time Gold Glove winner and a 15-time All-Star. He also won the 1982 World Series in St. Louis.
No. 6: Cubs Trade Lou Brock To Division Rival
In 1964, the Chicago Cubs traded outfielder Lou Brock to the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for Ernie Broglio, Doug Clemens, and Bobby Shantz. Brock would become one of the best contact hitters in league history, while Broglio was unable to live up to his “ace” potential. Brock would finish his Hall of Fame career with two World Series victories and six All-Star appearances. Broglio would hold a high 4.94 ERA over his final four seasons.
No. 5: Tigers Trade John Smoltz To Atlanta
In 1987, the Tigers acquired Doyle Alexander as a rental piece in exchange for John Smoltz from the Atlanta Braves. While Alexander was productive for the Tigers in the short term, the Braves won this deal in the long run. Smoltz went on to spend 20 of his 21 MLB seasons in Atlanta. Smoltz would win the 1996 NL Cy Young and hold an impressive 3.26 ERA with a 1.17 WHIP across 3,395 innings. During the end of his career, he transitioned into a relief pitcher and even led the NL in saves in 2002.
No. 4: Red Sox Trade Mookie Betts To Dodgers
One of the worst trades in recent history occurred in 2020. The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired Mookie Betts and David Price in exchange for Alex Verdugo, Connor Wong, and Jeter Downs. Both Downs and Verdugo are no longer in Boston. Betts would lead the Dodgers to two World Series championships (and counting). Through five seasons as a Dodger, Betts would hold a .284/.372/.530 line. Betts would also lead the NL in WAR in two campaigns.
No. 3: Expos Ship Randy Johnson To Seattle
The Montreal Expos would trade Randy Johnson, among others, to acquire Mark Langston and Mike Campbell. While Langston was a valuable pitcher in the short term for Montreal, they unknowingly traded one of the best pitchers in MLB history. Johnson would go on to tally the second-most strikeouts in MLB history (4,875) and capture five Cy Youngs. He would also win the 2001 World Series with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
No. 2: Mets Trade Nolan Ryan To Los Angeles
In 1971, the New York Mets traded Nolan Ryan in exchange for infielder Jim Fergosi. Fergosi never performed well in Queens and was removed from the roster after 1.5 seasons. Ryan would develop into the greatest pitcher in MLB history. During his 27-year Hall of Fame career, Ryan would set the major league record for strikeouts (5,714). Ryan would be named to eight All-Star teams and win two ERA titles.
No. 1: Red Sox Trade Babe Ruth for $100,000
Lastly, the most infamous trade in MLB history takes the top spot on this list. The Boston Red Sox traded Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees in exchange for $100,000. Ruth would become the greatest in MLB history. Ruth would be dominant on both sides of the game. He was a seven-time World Series champion. He won the batting title in 1924 and the ERA title in 1916.
