Major League Baseball (MLB) has produced its fair share of horrible trades over the years, but what are the worst trades in MLB history? Let’s look back at five of the worst MLB trades of all time.
Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees
George Herman “Babe” Ruth is widely regarded as one of the greatest baseball players ever. Unfortunately for the Boston Red Sox, Ruth will always be remembered for his achievements with the New York Yankees.
After the Red Sox sold Ruth to the Yankees in 1919, “The Sultan of Swat” fired his new team to seven American League pennants and four World Series titles across 14 seasons in New York, setting countless records along the way.
Mark McGwire to the St. Louis Cardinals
In 1997, the Oakland Athletics were on a tight budget. Knowing that they couldn’t afford to keep their star player, Mark McGwire, the Athletics traded away their power slugger to the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for three terrible pitchers.
During his first full season with the Cardinals, McGwire broke Roger Maris’ single-season home run record. “Big Mac” finished his playing career with 12 All-Star appearances, two World Series titles and three Silver Slugger Awards. Plus, he was the league’s home run leader on five separate occasions.
Randy Johnson to the Seattle Mariners
There is no denying that one of the worst trades in MLB history concerns Randy Johnson. In 1989, “The Big Unit” left the Montreal Expos to join the Seattle Mariners. One glance at Johnson’s career achievements and it’s easy to see why the Mariners are eternally grateful.
Johnson went on to win a whopping 303 games – the fifth-most by a left-handed pitcher in MLB history. To rub salt into Montreal’s wounds, Johnson also achieved 10 All-Star selections, five CY Young Awards and a World Series championship for good measure.
John Smoltz to the Atlanta Braves
When the Detroit Tigers traded young pitching prospect John Smoltz to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for Doyle Alexander, the Tigers had no idea that they would end up on the wrong end of one of the worst MLB trades of all time.
Sure, Alexander was a good player, but Smoltz went on to become one of the league’s top performers. “Smoltzie” finished his playing career with eight All-Star selections and a host of other individual awards, having led the Braves to World Series glory in 1995.
Miguel Cabrera to the Detroit Tigers
Concerned about potential salary demands, the Miami Marlins thought it would be a good idea to send Miguel Cabrera to the Detroit Tigers. However, the move turned out to be one of the worst trades in MLB history as far as the Marlins are concerned.
At 24, Cabrera had already featured in four All-Star Games and boasted a .313 career batting average. In the Motor City, the legendary Venezuelan won two MVP Awards, four batting titles and a Triple Crown. Meanwhile, the Marlins watched on as Cabrera became an all-time great.
