Watch CBS News

5 Terrible Trades In MLB History

The MLB deadline is a week away and teams in contention looking for that one extra piece to the puzzle that could put them over the top are evaluating their own trade pieces and scouting players that could help them.

It's always a gamble trading young talent and end of contract vets. It can work out, but cautionary tales of poor trades abound. Here are 5 of the worst deals in MLB history.

2011 Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
Tom Seaver in Cooperstown (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

5. Mets send Tom Seaver to Reds for four players.
In 1977 Tom Seaver was The Mets with 3 Cy Young awards, 9 all-star appearances & a rookie of the year award under his belt. The Mets got pitcher Pat Zachry, infielder Doug Flynn and minor league outfielders Dan Norman and Steve Henderson. 3 of the 4 panned out as decent players, but certainly no Tom Seaver.

Diamondbacks v Rockies
Randy Johnson in 2004 (Photo by Barry Gossage/Getty Images)

4. Expos send Randy Johnson, Brian Holman and Gene Harris to Mariners for Mark Langston
In 1989 the Expos sent 1st year player Randy Johnson to the Mariners in a 4 player deal that included Mariners veteran pitcher Mark Langston. Langston was a quality pitcher, but "the Intimidator" spent 9 years in Seattle & became one of the bet pitchers in all of Baseball as a 10 time All-Star & 5 time Cy Young Award Winner.

Houston Astros v San Diego Padres
Jeff Bagwell #5 of the Houston Astros in '93 (Photo by: Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

3. Red Sox trade Jeff Bagwell to Astros
In 1990 the Red Sox sent life long Boston fan & minor league 3rd baseman Jeff Bagwell to the Astros for right-handed pitcher Larry Anderson. Bagwell wowed them in spring training the following year & he made the club at 1st base (Ken Caminiti owned 3rd). Bagwell went on to win the National League Rookie of the Year in 1991 and NL MVP Award in '94. He finished his career with 449 homers and 1,529 RBIs, four All-Star appearances, 3 Silver Slugger Awards and one Gold Glove.

Schilling
Curt Schilling with the Astos in 1991(Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

2. Orioles send Curt Schilling, Pete Harnisch and Steve Finley to Astros for Glenn Davis.
In 1991 The Orioles sent Schilling, Harnisch & Finley to the Astos for Power Hitting 1st baseman Glenn Davis. Glenn Davis played in 185 games in Baltimore before retiring after with a .177 final season average. Schilling went on to win 183 games & was the 2001 World series MVP. Finley became a 2 time All-Star & won the Gold Glove award five times after his career with the Orioles.

2011 Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
Hall of Famer Lou Brock (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

1. Brock for Broglio
A phrase made famous for its lopsidedness! In 1964 Lou Brock and Ernie Broglio were the centerpieces of a June 15, 1964, six-player deal between the Cardinals & the Cubs. Broglio was coming off an impressive run pitching for the Cards, but Brock paid immediate dividends hitting .348 & leading them to winning the '64 World Series. The Cardinals picked up another World Series with Brock in 1967 & he played for St. Louis through 1979 on his way to a Hall Of Fame Career. Broglio went 4-7 & was out of Baseball by 1966.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.