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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Sep 28, 2015; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees designated hitter Alex Rodriguez (13) hits a single during the fifth inning of the game against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 28, 2015; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees designated hitter Alex Rodriguez (13) hits a single during the fifth inning of the game against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports /

16: Alex Rodriguez to the Yankees

The trade: New York Yankees received Alex Rodriguez

Texas received Alfonso Soriano

A-Rod had just come off of an MVP season in Texas, but the Rangers were looking to move his expensive contract. They figured now was the time to strike while the iron was hot, so they swapped Rodriguez for Alfonso Soriano. In addition, the Rangers had to pay $67 million of Rodriguez’s contract when they dealt him. A-Rod, previously a shortstop, also found a home at third base, which allowed the Yankees to keep Derek Jeter.

Rodriguez wasted no time paying dividends for the Yankees, hitting 36 home runs and 106 RBIs. He would win two more AL MVPs with the Yankees in 2005 and 2007 as well as three more Silver Sluggers, a Hank Aaron Award, and a World Series. And he did all of that while playing by the rules*. His 33 home runs in 2015 proves that he’s still got it.

Alfonso Soriano is a talented player in his own right, but his numbers and awards simply don’t compare to A-Rod’s while he only spent two seasons with the Rangers before being shipped out to the Nationals for Brad Wilkerson, Terrmel Sledge, and Armando Gallarraga.

Next: 15: Frank Robinson to the Orioles

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