Grade the Trade: Adrian Gonzalez trade history retrospective
By Tim Boyle
In the year 2000, the Florida Marlins kicked off a new century of MLB drafts by selecting Adrian Gonzalez first overall. A rather uncanny future lied ahead for the talented first pick.
During his nearly two-decade long professional career, Gonzalez has been involved in four trades. Although this isn’t a record-breaking total, it is unusual for a first-overall pick who panned out to get dealt so often.
Gonzalez has hit over 300 MLB home runs and is the recipient of four Gold Gloves. He’s been an All-Star five times for three different times. His extensive MLB career has taken him to all corners of the country, while representing a total of five different franchises. Not all teams who have traded for Gonzalez actually won the deal as they either gave up too much for his talents or sold him far too low.
Rather than look at any one particular trade, Gonzalez is worthy multiple report cards. The four trades he was involved in helped shape baseball. Many still have an effect on the game today.
Florida Marlins trade Gonzalez to Texas Rangers
Before he even received an inning in the big leagues, the Marlins traded Gonzalez to the Rangers in July 2003. Several others were included in this deal which brought the Marlins relief pitcher Ugueth Urbina.
Urbina was not pitching particular well for the Rangers at the time this trade took place. However, once he arrived in South Florida, his fortunes turned around.
In 38.1 innings for the Marlins, Urbina was 3-0 with a 1.41 ERA. As a mercenary brought in to help the Marlins win, he served his purpose. The Marlins went on to win the 2003 World Series while essentially closing out the New York Yankees’ dynasty in the process.
The cost of acquiring Urbina for a few months was steep. The Marlins dealt a borderline Hall of Famer for one World Series trophy. Considering this is the ultimate goal of all teams, there’s no arguing against it.
Award the Marlins with a passing grade here and the Rangers with a TBD. If you know your Adrian Gonzalez history, though, you’ll already predict it involves some summer school classes.