Call to the pen
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The 5 absolutely worst MLB trades in recent history

By Jack McKenney

PITTSBURGH, PA - APRIL 07: Tyler Glasnow #24 of the Pittsburgh Pirates looks on against the Cincinnati Reds at PNC Park on April 7, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - APRIL 07: Tyler Glasnow #24 of the Pittsburgh Pirates looks on against the Cincinnati Reds at PNC Park on April 7, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /
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Jul 21, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez (44) hits a home run during the first inning against the New York Yankees at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 21, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez (44) hits a home run during the first inning against the New York Yankees at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

2. 2016: Astros trade RP Josh Fields to the Dodgers for OF Yordan Alvarez

We often see Andrew Friedman and the Dodgers on the right side of trades, but this one is certainly one to forget for Dodger fans.

At the time of the deal, Alvarez was just 19. The intriguing aspect of this deal is Josh Fields. It’s not like the Dodgers were trading for a Mark Melancon or Roberto Osuna-type closer, Fields was actually quite below average when the Dodgers acquired him. With Houston in the season he was dealt (2016), Fields had a 6.89 ERA but was clearly catching unlucky breaks with 2.83 FIP.

To make Dodger fans feel better, I’ll include that, in three seasons with Los Angeles (2016-18), Fields had a sub-three ERA every year, showing very reliable consistency. But I don’t think that little snippet cures the sadness Dodger fans have who imagine a potential lineup with the big Cuban slugger included.

1. 2016: White Sox trade RHP Erik Johnson and SS Fernando Tatis Jr. to the Padres for SP James Shields

White Sox fans have to be shuddering to see this nightmare of a deal.

In 2016, after the Padres season went completely south and were 11.5 games back of first (in early June), they decided to unload Shields while they could. The veteran righty was coming off a World Series win the previous season, as he emerged as the Kansas City ace late in the postseason. The White Sox were very interested in Shields; interested enough to take on his four-year, $75 million deal. The Padres absorbed $31 million of his salary in order to soften up the contract load.

Many people questioned why they would take on so much money for two prospects? Well, one of those prospects included a kid named Fernando Tatis Jr, now known as “El Nino.” Arguably the best and most exciting player in baseball, Tatis will be the face of San Diego’s franchise for years to come.

Next. The 10 likeliest players moved at the MLB trade deadline. dark

Though Preller and the Padres completely failed in building up their team to win in 2016, they did come out of the mess with a potential Hall of Famer and MVP.

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