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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Jul 26, 2015; Cooperstown, NY, USA; Hall of Fame Inductee John Smoltz puts on a wig to combat all the comments about how he has no hair during his acceptance speech during the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies at Clark Sports Center. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 26, 2015; Cooperstown, NY, USA; Hall of Fame Inductee John Smoltz puts on a wig to combat all the comments about how he has no hair during his acceptance speech during the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies at Clark Sports Center. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports /

6: John Smoltz to the Braves

The trade: Atlanta received John Smoltz

Detroit received Doyle Alexander

As far as one-for-one deals go, it’s hard to find one that’s more lopsided than this. Doyle Alexander spent 18 seasons in the MLB, and his last three in Detroit came courtesy of this deal. He got off on the right foot in Detroit, getting to a 9-0 start and a 1.53 ERA, doing his best to make Tigers fans forget that they traded away a future Hall of Famer. Once they got to the postseason, the wheels came off when he struggled mightily in the ALCS.

Over the course of his career, Doyle Alexander’s postseason totals are an unflattering 0-5 with an 8.38 ERA. He became an All-Star in 1988, but a fractured jaw in 1989 forced him to retire.

Atlanta didn’t know what they were about to get when they traded for minor leaguer John Smoltz. In fact, his numbers were less than flattering as he went 4-11 with a 5.73 ERA in double-A and triple-A. Once he arrived in the majors, everything changed. He would spend 20 of 21 seasons with the Braves, collecting 154 saves and a 3.26 ERA. He won a World Series title in 1995 and was the NL Cy Young winner in 1996.

Next: 5: Curt Schilling to the Astros

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