13: Paul Konerko to the White Sox
The trade: Chicago White Sox received Paul Konerko
Cincinnati received Mike Cameron
Paul Konerko has become synonymous with the White Sox, and they have the Reds to thank for that. Konerko has achieved it all with Chicago. In 2000, they made the playoffs for the first time since 1993 but it was during their 2005 championship run where Konerko came alive.
Over 5 games in the ALCS, Konerko recorded 7 RBIs and was named the ALCS MVP. He then hit a grand slam in Game 2 of the World Series and caught the final out to complete the sweep over the Astros. He would spend the rest of his career in Chicago.
Mike Cameron spent one season in Cincinnati, but for good reason… he was included in a package for Ken Griffey Jr. Cameron’s most iconic moment, hitting four home runs in one game, would come as a member of the Seattle Mariners. Ken Griffey would provide some memorable moments for Cincinnati, but most of his awards came while he was with the Mariners.
Ultimately, what makes the White Sox the winners of this trade is that Konerko will always have something that Ken Griffey never had: a World Series title.
Next: 12: Keith Hernandez to the Mets