Baseball history is full of unexpected twists, and some of the sport’s biggest stars began their journeys in surprising places. Believe it or not, many of these superstars were once traded—sometimes before they even hit their stride. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most shocking MLB trades that sent elite players to new homes, reshaping their careers and the league.
Babe Ruth: Boston Red Sox to New York Yankees
The most infamous trade in MLB history saw Babe Ruth move from the Boston Red Sox to the New York Yankees in 1919. This transaction, primarily motivated by financial struggles, ignited the Yankees’ dynasty. Ruth flourished in New York, where he won four World Series championships on his way to becoming the greatest player of all time.
John Smoltz: Detroit Tigers to Atlanta Braves
In 1987, the Detroit Tigers made a regrettable decision by trading a young John Smoltz to the Atlanta Braves for Doyle Alexander. While Alexander provided short-term success for the Tigers, Smoltz became a mainstay in the Braves rotation, helping lead the team to numerous playoff appearances and a World Series title in 1995.
eff Bagwell: Boston Red Sox to Houston Astros
In one of the most lopsided trades in MLB history, the Boston Red Sox sent Jeff Bagwell to the Houston Astros for reliever Larry Andersen. Bagwell went on to become a cornerstone of the Astros franchise, won the National League MVP in 1994, and eventually earned a spot in the Hall of Fame!
Lou Brock: Chicago Cubs to St. Louis Cardinals
Lou Brock was traded by the Cubs to the Cardinals in 1964, a move often cited as one of the worst trades in Chicago Cubs history. Brock became a base-stealing legend in St. Louis, and he led the Cardinals to two World Series titles and he had six All-Star team selections.
Pedro Martínez: Los Angeles Dodgers to Montreal Expos
When Pedro Martínez was sent from the Dodgers to the Expos in 1993, it changed the course of his career. With the Expos, Martínez emerged as one of baseball’s premier pitchers, eventually earning three Cy Young Awards. The Dodgers, meanwhile, missed out on his prime, making this trade a significant what-if.
Tom Seaver: New York Mets to Cincinnati Reds
In 1977, the “Franchise,” Tom Seaver, was traded from the Mets to the Reds during a contract dispute. Seaver continued his Hall of Fame career in Cincinnati, winning over 50 games for the Reds. On the other hand, Seaver’s departure marked a turning point for the Mets, who struggled without their ace for years to come.
Ryne Sandberg: Philadelphia Phillies to Chicago Cubs
The Philadelphia Phillies traded Ryne Sandberg and Larry Bowa to the Chicago Cubs in 1982 for Ivan DeJesus. Sandberg became one of the greatest second basemen in history, and he earned a spot in the Hall of Fame and won nine Gold Glove awards, among other accolades.
Max Scherzer: Arizona Diamondbacks to Detroit Tigers
Over the years, the Diamondbacks have made some interesting trade choices, and Max Scherzer’s move to the Tigers in 2009 was no different. Scherzer developed into a Cy Young Award-winning pitcher in Detroit. The Diamondbacks, meanwhile, received Edwin Jackson and Ian Kennedy, both of whom didn’t reach Scherzer’s level.
Frank Robinson: Cincinnati Reds to Baltimore Orioles
When Robinson switched to the Baltimore Orioles, it wasn’t without some doubts; the player was let go from the Reds because of his age. Yet, he had a hugely successful stint with the Orioles. With them, he won two World Series, with the 1970 trophy coming against the Reds.
Roger Maris: Cleveland Guardians to Kansas City
Sometimes, it takes some patience to see a player’s true quality, and the Guardians did not wait to experience what Roger Maris had to offer. After playing 167 games for them, he was shipped to Kansas City, where he thrived. A year after making the move, he got his maiden All-Star team selection.
10 Famous MLB Trades That Led to Legendary Careers