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Top 12 worst trades in MLB history, including Mookie Betts and Babe Ruth

Mookie Betts, Los Angeles Dodgers
Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

MLB teams will be wheeling and dealing this offseason as they look to upgrade their rosters heading into 2025. Last offseason, we saw a blockbuster deal where the New York Yankees acquired Juan Soto from the San Diego Padres, which has paid off for both teams. Soto helped the Yankees reach the World Series while Michael King is turning into an ace for the Padres. San Diego also used a prospect in the trade to acquire pitcher Dylan Cease.

However, many trades have set franchises back years. Here’s a look at the 12 worst trades of all time.

Oakland Athletics trade Mark McGwire to St. Louis Cardinals (July 1997)

Mark McGwire, St. Louis Cardinals
Credit: Robert Hanashiro / USA TODAY NETWORK

Montreal Expos trade Randy Johnson to Seattle Mariners (May 1989)

Randy Johnson, Seattle Mariners
Credit: RVR Photos-Imagn Images

New York Mets trade Nolan Ryan to California Angels (December 1971)

Nolan Ryan, New York Mets
Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

San Diego Padres trade Ozzie Smith to St. Louis Cardinals (December 1981)

Ozzie Smith, St. Louis Cardinals
Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

Chicago White Sox trade Fernando Tatis Jr. to San Diego Padres (June 2016)

Fernando Tatis Jr., San Diego Padres
Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images

Philadelphia Phillies trade Ryne Sandberg to Chicago Cubs (January 1982)

Ryne Sandberg, Chicago Cubs
Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

Los Angeles Dodgers trade Pedro Martinez to Montreal Expos (October 1993)

Pedro Martinez, Montreal Expos
Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

Chicago Cubs trade Lou Brock to St. Louis Cardinals (June 1964)

Lou Brock, St. Louis Cardinals
Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images

Detroit Tigers trade John Smoltz to Atlanta Braves (August 1987)

John Smoltz, Atlanta Braves
Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Boston Red Sox trade Jeff Bagwell to Houston Astros (August 1990)

Jeff Bagwell, Houston Astros
Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Florida Marlins trade Miguel Cabrera to Detroit Tigers (December 2007)

Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers
Credit: Kirthmon F. Dozier / USA TODAY NETWORK

Boston Red Sox trade Mookie Betts to Los Angeles Dodgers (February 2020)

Mookie Betts, Los Angeles Dodgers
Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Boston Red Sox trade Babe Ruth to New York Yankees (January 1920)

Babe Ruth, New York Yankees
Credit: H. Darr Beiser-Imagn Images
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