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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11: Mark McGwire to the Cardinals

The trade: St. Louis received Mark McGwire

Oakland received T.J. Mathews, Eric Ludwick, and Blake Stein

There was probably not a better home-run hitter on the planet than Mark McGwire who hit 52 home runs in 1996 and 34 in 1997 with the Athletics before he was traded to St. Louis. At the time of the trade, many didn’t expect McGwire to stay in St. Louis since his contract was up at the end of the year. But once he re-signed with the Cardinals, the Athletics owners realized how big of a mistake they made.

McGwire, Sosa, and Ken Griffey Jr. were all looking to break Roger Maris’ single-season home run record of 61. McGwire was the first to break it as he finished the season with 70 home runs, while all who participated respected the integrity of the game*.

Eric Ludwick’s career statistics include a glowing record of 2-10 and an 8.35 ERA. While T.J. Mathews had a respectable career with Oakland, he was no Mark McGwire, while Blake Stein was traded two seasons after he arrived.

Mark McGwire was one of the most exciting baseball players to watch, and while many question the legitimacy of his numbers, do we want to focus on that, or do we want to see him sock a few dingers?

Dingers! Dingers! Dingers!

Next: 10: Willie Hernandez to the Tigers

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