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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May 19, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Francisco Liriano (47) delivers a pitch against the Minnesota Twins during the first inning of an inter-league game at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
May 19, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Francisco Liriano (47) delivers a pitch against the Minnesota Twins during the first inning of an inter-league game at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

24: Francisco Liriano to the Twins

The trade: The Giants received A.J. Pierzynski and cash.

The Twins received Boof Bonser, Joe Nathan, Francisco Liriano.

Even though they traded for a guy named Boof, this was a deal that the Twins won. I’m talking crossed over then 360 dunked on the Giants. Pierzynski was a great catcher coming off of a great season (a career high .312 batting average). But once he came to San Francisco, his batting average fell to .272 while hitting just 11 home runs. That was the only season he spent with the Giants before getting non-tendered.

And who did the Twins get for this one-season wonder? Joe Nathan, who became as reliable a closer as anyone in the major leagues, converting 44 of 47 save opportunities and earning an ERA of 1.62 in his first season with the Twins. He would continue that over the course of his Twins career, becoming an All-Star in all but three seasons (if you don’t count 2010) and joining the 300 save club.

Francisco Liriano would also prove to be a great pitcher for the Twins. In 2005, he led all pitchers with 204 strikeouts. Then in 2006, he started the season 12-3 with a 2.19 ERA. An injury in August made him fall just short of capturing both the Cy Young and Rookie of the Year that season.

Even though this was an awful trade, it’s not as if it derailed the Giants organization. In fact, it may have benefited them as they probably wouldn’t have been bad enough to draft Buster Posey.

Next: 23: Chris Archer to the Rays

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