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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Chicago White Sox

This was a trade that actually worked out pretty well for both teams. Mike Cameron was at worst a very solid outfielder for his entire career. However, in this trade, the Chicago White Sox got more than just a solid outfielder – they got the face of their franchise for many years in Paul Konerko. Konerko was extremely underrated for most of his career because he played for the less popular of Chicago’s baseball team. However, his numbers compare favorably with a lot of very good (but not Hall of Fame caliber) first basemen.

Over his 18 seasons in the MLB, Konerko ended up with 439 home runs, averaging 30 home runs per 162 games. He had a career .279 batting average, which isn’t overly impressive, but his career OPS (on base percentage plus slugging percentage) of .841 certainly is impressive. Konerko also had 2,340 career hits. Since Konerko didn’t reach any of the magic numbers, he likely won’t make the Hall of Fame. However, few players have at least 2,000 career hits and 400 home runs. That might allow him to sneak in.

Konerko was an important player for the White Sox. After Frank Thomas left, he was the face of the franchise. His number has been retired by the White Sox.

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