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 Pedro Martinez makes 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 Pedro Martinez makes his acceptance speech during the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies at Clark Sports Center. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports /

3: Pedro Martinez to the Expos

The trade: Montreal received Pedro Martinez

Los Angeles Dodgers received Delino DeShields

Delino DeShields Jr. currently plays for the Texas Rangers, but he is likely reminded constantly of the lopsided deal his father was a part of. DeShields filled a need at second base for the Dodgers after Jody Reed left. Once he came to the Dodgers, his batting average slipped from .277 to .241 and he only spent three seasons in LA before he left for free agency.

Despite the fact that Pedro Martinez went 10-5 with a 2.61 ERA for the Dodgers, the team never believed he could become a starter. But once he was dealt to the Expos, he moved into the starting rotation and amassed an 11-5 record with a 3.42 ERA. Martinez would later win the NL Cy Young in 1997 and he finished his career with the Expos with a 17-8 record and a 1.90 ERA. Sure he accomplished more once they sent him to Boston, but it was with the Expos that Pedro Martinez became a superstar.

Wait a second. The Expos made a good trade? Something must be wrong. They must’ve made an equally bad trade to permanently destabilize their franchise.

Next: 2: Cliff Lee to the Indians

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