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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Oct 21, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays former player Vernon Wells throws out the ceremonial first pitch before the game against the Kansas City Royals in game five of the ALCS at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 21, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays former player Vernon Wells throws out the ceremonial first pitch before the game against the Kansas City Royals in game five of the ALCS at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /

27: Vernon Wells to the Angels

The trade: The angels received Vernon Wells.

Toronto received Mike Napoli and Juan Rivera.

Having hit 223 home runs over the 11 seasons he spent with the Blue Jays, Vernon Wells was by no means a bad player, but after signing him to a 7-year, $126-million contract back in 2006, the Blue Jays were desperate to unload him to another team. The Angels’ owner Arte Moreno was a more than willing bidder, telling his GM that he would be fired if he didn’t acquire Wells within 24 hours.

Wells’ first season with the Angels went poorly, as he finished the season with a .218 batting average, the lowest batting average out of anyone that season with at least 512 plate appearances. He hit 25 home runs, which amounted to $720,000 per home run for Angels ownership.

Even though the Blue Jays ridded themselves of Vernon Wells’ contract, they didn’t do themselves any favours with the pieces they got in return. After acquiring Mike Napoli, they dealt him to the Rangers four days later in exchange for relief pitcher Frank Francisco. In Juan Rivera’s half-season spent with the Blue Jays, he hit 6 home runs and had a batting average of .243. Nevertheless, it was the Angels who found themselves on the losing end of this deal.

Next: 26: Aramis Ramirez to the Cubs

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