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

24. Braves acquire John Smoltz, August 12, 1987

In 1986, Major League Baseball pushed the non-waiver trade deadline back to July 31. However, trades are still common in August, teams must only subject the players involved to waivers. In August 1987, the Detroit Tigers sent a prospect named John Smoltz to the Atlanta Braves for Doyle Alexander.

A 36-year old, 17-year MLB veteran, Alexander was terrific for the Tigers during the regular season. In 11 starts, Alexander was 9-0 with a 1.53 ERA, including three shutouts, and he helped Detroit win the AL East. Though Alexander struggled (and earned two of the Tigers’ four losses against the Twins in the ALCS), he was an All-Star in 1988.

Trade deadline buyers – especially those shopping after the non-waiver deadline passes – can’t hope for much more in return for a prospect. The club just hopes its doesn’t send a future Hall of Famer out of the organization in the deal.

Such was the case with Smoltz, who won the 1996 NL Cy Young Award, earned eight All-Star selections and posted a 210-155 career record with a 3.33 ERA in 21 years in the big leagues. Smoltz even saved 154 games, including an NL record 55 in 2002.

Considered one of the best postseason pitchers in history, Smoltz earned MVP honors in the 1992 NLCS and helped the Braves win the World Series in 1995. In 41 games in the playoffs (including 27 starts), Smoltz was 15-4 with a 2.67 ERA and four saves.