10 best MLB waiver trades since 2000

Jul 21, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Toronto Blue Jays right fielder Jose Bautista (19) hit a solo home run off of Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Kendall Graveman (31), not in picture, during the sixth inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports /

11 of 11

Jul 18, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Canada first base coach Larry Walker (33) yells at the baserunner against Puerto Rico during the 2015 Pan Am Games at Ajax Pan Am Ballpark. Canada beat Puerto Rico 7-1 Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Larry Walker was a five-time All-Star and MVP long before he joined the St. Louis Cardinals, but he had yet to experience postseason success. The Cardinals gave him that opportunity, and he repaid them by showing glimpses of the feared slugger that he was in his prime.

Walker had been battling injuries throughout his 2004 campaign with the Colorado Rockies, but this did not deter St. Louis from taking a chance on him. The Cardinals traded prospects Jason Burch, Chris Narveson and Luis Martinez to the Rockies in exchange for the left-handed slugger, a move that had major postseason implications.

During 44 games with St. Louis in 2004, Walker recorded a .280 batting average, along with 11 home runs. In the process, he displayed the power hitting ability that he was known for throughout his illustrious career. The team would cruise to the National League Central division title, and would advance through the first two rounds of the playoffs with Walker hitting two home runs in each.

The Cardinals would be swept in the World Series by the Boston Red Sox, but Walker’s performance was not to blame whatsoever. The 37-year old hit .357 with two home runs in the series.

Walker had one more chance at a World Series run the following year, but St. Louis would lose to the Houston Astros in six games in the NLCS.

Next: Power Ranking All 30 MLB Teams Following The Trade Deadline

Home/Boston Red Sox