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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October 13, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Adam Wainwright (50) pitches the fourth inning against Chicago Cubs in game four of the NLDS at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
October 13, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Adam Wainwright (50) pitches the fourth inning against Chicago Cubs in game four of the NLDS at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /

30: Adam Wainwright to the Cardinals

The trade: The Cardinals received Adam Wainwright, Jason Marquis, and Ray King.

Atlanta received J.D. Drew and Eli Marrero.

In 2003, the Braves gave the Cardinals pitching prospect Adam Wainwright who would go on to become a franchise cornerstone. He was the team’s closer during their 2006 World Series win – their first in 24 years – and has become one of the best starters in the MLB with a record of 121-67 and a 2.98 ERA.

In the short-term, this was a good trade for the Braves as J.D. Drew racked up a .305 batting average and 31 home runs, finishing sixth in MVP voting. However, after the Braves lost to the Astros in the NLDS, both Drew and Marrero left the team. Drew would go on to win a World Series, but it was in 2007 with the Red Sox.

Not to overlook the other two pieces of the deal, Jason Marquis spent three seasons in the Cardinals rotation and amassed a 28-21 record with a 3.92 ERA in his first two seasons. Ray King was also a great left-handed relief pitcher for two seasons with the Cardinals as he posted a 2.91 ERA in 163 appearances with the team.

Next: 29: Prince Fielder to the Rangers

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