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) /

3 of 31

Mandatory Credit: Bob Leverone/Sporting News via Getty Images /

Atlanta Braves

The Tigers make two early appearances on this list as the MLB team that got taken advantage of. However, this was not nearly as bad of a trade as the Gonzalez trade because Alexander helped them make the 1987 ALCS, which is what he was acquired to do. That doesn’t take away the fact that Alexander did not pitch that well over the next two seasons. John Smoltz went on to pitch many years for the Atlanta Braves and wound up being enshrined in Cooperstown.

Atlanta had an impressive run of dominance in the 1990’s and 2000’s even though they only got one World Series title to show for it. Smoltz (along with fellow Hall of Famers Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine) formed an impressive trio that led them to 14 first place finishes and one second place finish from 1990 to 2005. He also holds the unique distinction of not just being a great starting pitcher, but an excellent relief pitcher as well. Smoltz is the only pitcher ever to record at least 200 wins and 150 saves.

While Maddux and Glavine are usually thought of as being better pitchers, it’s worth noting that Smoltz had a higher career WAR with the Braves (70) than Maddux (67) and Glavine (64).

Next: Baltimore Orioles

Home/Arizona Diamondbacks