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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Los Angeles Angels

The Los Angeles Angels made a trade in 1971 that is among the contenders for most lopsided trade of all-time when they acquired Nolan Ryan, Frank Estrada, Don Rose, and Leroy Stanton from the Mets in exchange for infielder Jim Fregosi. Fregosi wound up playing 146 games for the Mets before being traded to the Texas Rangers. He was a fine infielder, but he was traded for arguably the most dominant pitcher of all-time in Ryan.

Ryan spent eight seasons with the Angels, pitching in 291 games for them, including 288 starts. He is one of the two pitchers to throw over 2000 innings with the team and trails only Chuck Finley in innings pitched as an Angel despite Finley having a six season advantage on Ryan. Ryan is the Angels’ franchise leader in strikeouts with 2,416 and he threw four no-hitters with the Angels.

Sadly, the trade never truly panned out for the Angels because they were never able to win a World Series with Ryan. They only made the playoffs once with him despite Ryan consistently being among the league’s best pitchers. However, it did help put the Angels on the map, which is more important in California (especially when competing with Los Angeles) than in other markets. So overall, a huge win for the Angels.

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