4. Seattle Mariners send Mark Langston and Mike Campbell to the Montreal Expos for Randy Johnson, Gene Harris and Brian Holman – May 25, 1989
Mark Langston had been an ace with the Seattle Mariners, leading the American League in strikeouts three times, winning two Gold Glove awards and making an All Star team. In his free agent season in 1989, Langston was the type of pitcher that would net a large return from a team that had an eye towards contention.
That was what happened when he was sent to the Montreal Expos. While he pitched well in Montreal, going 12-9 with a 2.39 ERA and 175 strikeouts in 176.2 innings, he bolted for the Angels that offseason. Meanwhile, the Expos sent three pitchers to the Mariners, all of whom could have been useful. Gene Harris was a league average middle reliever, and Brian Holman was a solid starter before arm issues ended his career.
However, the jewel of the trade was Randy Johnson. Much like Langston, he was a lefty strikeout pitcher, although he struggled with his command. After consulting with Rangers pitching coach Tom House, and all time great Nolan Ryan, he improved his control, becoming one of the greatest left handed pitchers in baseball history.
His accomplishments were remarkable. He fired two no hitters, including a perfect game. Johnson won five Cy Young awards, including four consecutive from 1999 through 2002. With over 300 victories and the second most strikeouts in MLB history, he was a legend, not just with the Mariners, but in the annuls of baseball.
Montreal got four good months out of Mark Langston. Meanwhile, the Mariners received one of the greatest pitchers of all time.
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