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 21, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Cliff Lee (33) pitches during the first inning of a game against the San Francisco Giants at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 21, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Cliff Lee (33) pitches during the first inning of a game against the San Francisco Giants at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

2: Cliff Lee to the Indians

The trade: Cleveland acquired Cliff Lee, Grady Sizemore, Brandon Phillips, and Lee Stevens

Montreal acquired Bartolo Colon and Tim Drew

And there it is. You know that Bartolo Colon has been in the league for a long time when he was even playing for the Montreal Expos. Lee Stevens and Brandon Phillips were already proven talents, but Grady Sizemore and Cliff Lee were highly regarded prospects. As it turned out, three out of four players would pan out for the Indians, with Cliff Lee becoming one of the best pitchers during his playing time.

Bartolo Colon has played for almost every MLB team in existence – or close to it – and after being acquired at the deadline by the Expos, he and Jorge Nunez were shipped off at the start of 2003 to the Chicago White Sox for Orlando Hernandez, Rocky Biddle, and Jeff Liefer. Tim Drew is famous for being “J.D.’s brother. No, the other one”.

Before he became a perennial All-Star with the Reds, Brandon Phillips developed in the Indians system while Grady Sizemore became a franchise cornerstone for the Indians. He joined the 30-30 club in 2008, had 3 All-Star appearances, and won two Gold Gloves. Cliff Lee also became something of a legend in Cleveland, spending 8 seasons with the team and winning the Cy Young in 2008 after a 22-3 record.

Next: 1: Babe Ruth to the Yankees

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