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The Most Iconic MLB Trades of All Time

Baseball is a sport that is filled with both thrilling moments and heartbreaking failures. One of the most exciting aspects of baseball is the trade deadline. This is where teams have the opportunity to acquire new players and make changes to their roster.  Let’s explore some of the most iconic Major League Baseball trades of all time in both the American and National League.

The Most Iconic Trades of All Time

  1. Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees: In 1919, the Boston Red Sox traded Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees for $125,000 and a $350,000 loan. This trade is widely regarded as the worst in Red Sox history. In the end, Ruth went on to become one of the greatest players of all time. Overall, he helped the Yankees win four World Series championships.
  2. Randy Johnson to the Houston Astros: In 1998, the Houston Astros traded for Randy Johnson. He was one of the best pitchers in the game at the time. Johnson helped lead the Astros to the playoffs. Eventually, the team went on to win the NL Central division title.
  3. Alex Rodriguez to the New York Yankees: In 2004, the Texas Rangers traded Alex Rodriguez to the New York Yankees. A-Rod helped the Yankees win their first World Series championship in nearly a decade. He went on to win two AL MVP awards.
  4. Lou Brock to the St. Louis Cardinals: In 1964, the Chicago Cubs traded Lou Brock to the St. Louis Cardinals. He was traded for pitcher Ernie Broglio. Brock went on to become a Hall of Famer. He also helped lead the Cardinals to two World Series championships. In the end, Broglio struggled with injuries and never lived up to his potential.
  5. Jeff Bagwell to the Houston Astros: In 1990, the Boston Red Sox traded Jeff Bagwell to the Houston Astros for pitcher Larry Andersen. Bagwell went on to become one of the best players in Astro’s history. On the other hand, Andersen only pitched for the Red Sox for a few months.
  6. Doyle Alexander to the Detroit Tigers: In 1987, the Atlanta Braves traded Doyle Alexander to the Detroit Tigers for minor leaguer John Smoltz. Smoltz went on to become a Hall of Famer. He was also one of the greatest pitchers in Brave’s history. Meanwhile, Alexander only pitched for the Tigers for one season.

Big Trades, Big Consequences

The MLB trade deadline is always a time of excitement and anticipation for baseball fans. While some trades can lead to championship titles, others can lead to years of frustration and disappointment. The trades listed here represent some of the most iconic in baseball history. In conclusion, they serve as a reminder of how much impact a single trade can have on the course of a team’s future.


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