Fansided

The 30 worst trades in MLB history

By David Rouben

Oct 18, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jake Arrieta throws a pitch against the New York Mets in the first inning in game two of the NLCS at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 18, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jake Arrieta throws a pitch against the New York Mets in the first inning in game two of the NLCS at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /
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18: Joe Jackson to the Indians

The trade: Cleveland received Joe Jackson

Philadelphia received Bris Lord

Shoeless Joe Jackson may be most infamous for his involvement in the 1919 Black Sox scandal, but before that, he spent five seasons with the Cleveland Naps (later known as the Cleveland Indians). This was after the Philadelphia Athletics gave up on him and decided to trade him for Bris Lord.

Bris Lord, which sounds like a minister for circumcision, had 13 home runs and a batting average of .256 over his 8-year career. Shoeless Joe bested that batting average in his rookie season. In his first season with Cleveland, Jackson hit .408, a rookie record that still stands. The following season, he batted .395 and led the AL in triples, hits, and total bases. He only had 54 home runs to his name, but that’s not what he was known for.

Jackson became a World Series champion* with the Black Sox, but he provided the Naps with five quality seasons that helped shape his legacy as the baseball legend that he is today. Meanwhile, Connie Mack – the owner of the Philadelphia Athletics – is still convinced to this day that Bris Lord was integral to his team’s success.

Next: 17: Lorenzo Cain to the Royals

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