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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Nov 1, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; Kansas City Royals center fielder Lorenzo Cain (left) steals second base ahead of the throw to New York Mets shortstop Wilmer Flores (4) in the first inning in game five of the World Series at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; Kansas City Royals center fielder Lorenzo Cain (left) steals second base ahead of the throw to New York Mets shortstop Wilmer Flores (4) in the first inning in game five of the World Series at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /

17: Lorenzo Cain to the Royals

The trade: Kansas City received Lorenzo Cain, Alcides Escobar, Jeremy Jeffress, and Jake Odorizzi

Milwaukee received Zack Greinke and Yuniesky Betancourt

This proves that it is possible to create a championship core off of a trade. Alcides Escobar enjoyed a breakout year in 2015 and was instrumental in Kansas City’s World Series being named the ALCS MVP. Ultimately, I put Lorenzo Cain’s name in the title because he came in third in AL MVP voting. Odorizzi was included in the package, but he spent most of his time in Kansas City’s AAA affiliate before being shipped out to Tampa Bay for James Shields and Wade Davis.

The Royals won their World Series because of an overall team effort, but these two players stood out, especially in their aggressive base-running. Cain scored the winning run from first on an RBI single in Game 6 against the Blue Jays, and Escobar opened the World Series with an inside-the-park home run.

Sure the Brewers got Zack Greinke – ironically enough, it’s because he didn’t want to play for a rebuilding team – who played well in Milwaukee. However, the rest of the team wasn’t so he was dealt to the Angels for Jean Segura, Ariel Pena, and Johnny Hellweg. Greinke’s selfishness led to him playing for three different teams, and likely a fourth in 2016, while the Royals continue to reap the rewards.

Next: 16: Alex Rodriguez to the Yankees

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