MLB Trade Deadline: Top 25 midseason deals of all-time

14. Astros acquire Carlos Beltran, June 24, 2004

We cheated a little with this one. June 24 is a full five weeks before the MLB trade deadline. Nevertheless, when the Kansas City Royals, Houston Astros and Oakland A’s organized a three-team mid-summer trade in 2004, there were major consequences worth discussing.

The Astros entered the day 37-34, just five games out of first place in the NL Central, but in fourth place behind the Cardinals, Reds and Cubs in a crowded division race. After acquiring Carlos Beltran (sending Octavio Dotel to the A’s and John Buck to the Royals in the deal), the Astros were able to climb the division standings and capture the NL Wild Car with a 92-70 record.

Beltran, the 1999 AL Rookie of the Year and an All-Star in 2004, hit .258/.368/.559 with 23 home runs and 53 RBI in 90 regular season games with the Astros. That performance raised his season stats to .267/.367/.548 with 38 homers, 104 RBI and 121 runs scored, setting career highs in homers and runs scored (both of which he reset in 2006).

Beltran was terrific in the regular season, but he saved his best for the playoffs. He hit .455/.500/1.091 with four home runs, nine runs scored and nine RBI in the NLDS against the Braves, and added four more homers, five RBI and 12 runs scored while hitting .417/.563/.958 in seven games against the Cardinals in the NLCS.

Unfortunately for Beltran and the Astros, Houston’s World Series bid fell in seven games. Beltran, who has played in 12 postseason series, including the 2013 World Series, is still missing a World Championship ring. However, at the age of 40, he has a good chance after signing with the Astros as a free agent for 2017.