MLB Power Rankings: Each team’s best trade ever

PHOENIX, UNITED STATES: Arizona Diamondbacks left fielder Luis Gonzalez (R) celebrates his game-winning RBI single in the bottom of the 9th inning off of New York Yankees relief pitcher Mariano Rivera (42) during Game 7 of the World Series in Phoenix, AZ, 04 November, 2001. The Diamondbacks defeated the New York Yankees 3-2, winning the series four games to three and become the 2001 world champions. AFP PHOTO/Timothy A. CLARY (Photo credit should read TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images) /

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Houston Astros

The Houston Astros made one of the most lopsided trades in MLB history when they acquired first baseman Jeff Bagwell in exchange for relief pitcher Larry Andersen in August of 1990.

Andersen was brought in to be a final piece to the Red Sox puzzle. He did his job, with a 1.23 ERA in 15 relief appearances. Those would be the lone 15 games he would pitch with the Red Sox. Meanwhile, Bagwell went on to have an incredible career with the Astros and remains one of the most underrated hitters of all-time.

Bagwell had an immediate impact with the Astros, being named the 1991 National League Rookie of the Year. In 1994, he was named the National League’s Most Valuable Player. He had a career .297 batting average with a .408 career on base percentage and a .540 career slugging percentage. Bagwell finished his career with 2,314 hits and 449 home runs. While he is not yet in the Hall of Fame, voters are slowly starting to warm up to him after PED allegations soured voters for his first few years of eligibility.

He is among the Astros career leaders in almost every offensive category and was one of the best first baseman during an era known for cheating and steroid use. Except Bagwell did it completely clean to the best of our knowledge.

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