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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Pittsburgh Pirates

This was a rare trade where both teams could argue that they “won” it. Tony Pena was an excellent catcher who helped the Cardinals short-term, leading them to the World Series in 1987. However, long-term, the Pittsburgh Pirates won this trade as they got two excellent players in exchange for Pena.

Mike Dunne had two wonderful seasons for the Pirates early in his career. However, he quickly fell apart and could never repeat his success from 1987 and 1988. Andy Van Slyke would be the fan favorite of the early 90’s Pirates that won three straight division titles from 1990 to 1992. Barry Bonds might have been the best player, but Van Slyke was the heart and soul of the team in center field, where he won five straight Gold Gloves from 1988 to 1992.

LaValliere would wind up being a darn good replacement for Pena as an excellent defensive catcher who won a Gold Glove with the Pirates. By the time the Pirates were contending, Pena was no longer capable of being an everyday catcher and certainly was no longer the defensive stalwart that he was. So this trade was an excellent trade for the Pirates. But it was an excellent one for the Cardinals as well. Rare trade that worked out great for both sides.

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