Call to the pen
Fansided

MLB trade deadline: The 5 worst trade deadline deals in recent history

By Jack McKenney

WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 18: Jake Arrieta #34 of the Baltimore Orioles pitches during a baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on May 18, 2012 in Washington, DC. The Orioles won 2-1 in eleven innings. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 18: Jake Arrieta #34 of the Baltimore Orioles pitches during a baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on May 18, 2012 in Washington, DC. The Orioles won 2-1 in eleven innings. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /
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MLB trade deadline season is well upon us. In honor of the looming deadline, let’s take a look at some lopsided trade deadline deals that have occurred in recent history.

Number 5

2020: Padres acquire C Austin Nola, RHP Austin Adams and RHP Dan Altavilla from Mariners in exchange for OF Taylor Trammell, C Luis Torrens, RHP Andres Munoz and INF Ty France

We’ll start off with a deal that happened rather recently, with the Padres giving up a haul to acquire highly touted catcher Austin Nola. With top prospect Taylor Trammell headed to Seattle, the Mariners were pleased to acquire such good value for Nola, especially with Cal Raleigh already suited to be the catcher for the Mariners’ future.

However, the most important acquisitions in the deal were INF Ty France and reliever Andres Munoz. France has become an impact bat in the Seattle lineup, hitting .274 with 20 homers last season. He’s been in and out of the lineup with injuries this year, but will serve as a key piece for the Mariners lineup down the stretch of this playoff push. Then there’s Munoz, who has become one of the best relievers in our game, using his nasty slider to complement his fastball that ranges from 100-103 MPH. His nasty arsenal was on display against Toronto last postseason, pitching two scoreless innings helping Seattle secure a playoff win.

Trammell has struggled in the big leagues at every turn, failing to hit above .200 in each of the past three seasons. We’ve seen flashes of power, strong defense and his elite speed, but the 25-year-old has never fully been able to pull things together.

As for San Diego, Nola has been very disappointing. While his defense versatility and catching has been nice, Nola has failed to establish his elite offensive production which he showcased in Seattle. Nola’s struggles have worsened in 2023, batting a poor .146 with one home run over 154 at-bats. At 33, his release is starting to seem imminent with Gary Sanchez and Luis Campusano taking over the catching duties in San Diego. With Adams and Altavilla no longer with the Padres, this trade has become a massive win for Seattle. France has become a cornerstone bat in the Mariners lineup, while Andres Munoz has become a formidable weapon in the bullpen.

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