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Ah, the MLB Trade Deadline. That magical time when GMs either look like absolute wizards or... complete clowns.

Some trades are legendary because they helped win World Series titles. Others? They’re legendary for all the wrong reasons—like when a team gives away a future MVP for a middle reliever who lasts two weeks and a pulled hamstring.

Let’s take a look at 10 of the worst trade deadline deals in MLB history, a.k.a. “How to Build a Dynasty… for Someone Else.”

1. Red Sox Give Astros a Hall of Famer for a Rental Reliever (1990)

Boston gets: Larry Andersen
Houston gets: Jeff Freakin’ Bagwell

Boston needed a bullpen boost. They got Andersen for, like, a month. The Astros? They got a guy who would hit 449 bombs, win an MVP, and make the Hall of Fame. Bad trade? That’s putting it lightly. This was a full-on baseball heist.

2. Tigers Gift the Braves a Future Ace (1987)

Detroit gets: Doyle Alexander
Atlanta gets: John Smoltz

Alexander was good—he went 9-0 down the stretch. But the Tigers missed the World Series and gave up Smoltz, who just casually became a Cy Young winner, World Series champ, and a Hall of Famer. It’s like trading your house for a one-night stay at a nice hotel.

3. Brewers Trade Hader Mid-Playoff Hunt (2022)

Milwaukee gets: Some guys
San Diego gets: One of the best closers in the game

The Brewers said, “Let’s shake things up!” and promptly missed the playoffs. Hader? Became a dominant closer again with the Padres. Fans are still trying to figure out what the plan was here. Milwaukee, blink twice if you regret this.

4. Red Sox Deal the Farm for Chris Sale’s Elbow (2016)

Boston gets: Chris Sale
Chicago gets: Yoán Moncada, Michael Kopech, etc.

To be fair, Boston did win a World Series with Sale. But they also gave the White Sox two cornerstone players. Sale eventually turned into an injury update waiting to happen. Meanwhile, Chicago got younger, cheaper, and healthier. Whoops.

5. Dodgers Ship Off Carlos Santana Before He Could Rock Cleveland (2008)

LA gets: Casey Blake
Cleveland gets: Carlos Santana (the catcher, not the guitarist—but both have hits)

The Dodgers were chasing October and decided a 34-year-old third baseman was the missing piece. Meanwhile, Cleveland ended up with a switch-hitting slugger who played a decade of solid baseball. LA really fumbled the bag here.

6. A’s Let McGwire Go for… Names We’ve All Forgotten (1997)

Oakland gets: T.J. Mathews and some dudes
St. Louis gets: Mark “Home Run Show” McGwire

McGwire hit 70 homers a year later. The guys Oakland got? Great trivia question answers—if anyone remembers them. The A’s basically handed the Cardinals a media sensation and got a bag of peanuts in return.

7. Cubs Trade Kris Bryant for Hope and Vibes (2021)

Chicago gets: Prospects (still TBD)
San Francisco gets: Kris Bryant

Bryant came in hot and helped the Giants win 107 games. The Cubs got a couple of lottery tickets. So far, they’ve scratched off nothing but “Try again.” Fans still wear their Bryant jerseys and whisper “Why?” into the wind.

8. Mariners Give Up Randy Johnson Before He Becomes Terrifying (1998)

Seattle gets: Garcia, Guillen, Halama
Houston gets: The Big Unit

Seattle traded away one of the scariest pitchers ever, and he immediately threw a 1.28 ERA for Houston. The Mariners did okay with the return, but trading a guy who would throw a no-hitter at age 40? That’s tough to spin.

9. Nats Send Two Studs to Chicago for a Banged-Up Adam Eaton (2016)

Washington gets: Adam Eaton
White Sox get: Lucas Giolito, Reynaldo López, Dane Dunning

Eaton blew out his ACL after a hot start. Meanwhile, the White Sox built half their pitching staff from this one trade. The Nationals eventually won a title, so we’ll call this one a chaotic neutral, but yeah… not great.

10. Pirates Pull Off a Masterclass in What NOT to Do (2018)

Pittsburgh gets: Chris Archer
Tampa gets: Tyler Glasnow, Austin Meadows, Shane Baz

This one’s so bad it’s almost funny (unless you're a Pirates fan, then it’s just painful). Archer was mid at best. Tampa? They got two All-Stars and a top pitching prospect. It was like trading gold bars for a handful of magic beans… and then the beans didn’t even sprout.

Closing Time:

These trades are proof that baseball GMs are just like the rest of us: sometimes, they make really bad decisions under pressure. The only difference? Their mistakes haunt franchises and show up in ESPN graphics for the next 20 years.

Got a trade that still gives you nightmares? Drop it in the comments. Misery loves company.

Let’s meet the eight sluggers stepping up to the plate—and dive into how their 2025 seasons have shaped up so far: This year's field is stacked with explosive talents—all debuting except Olson and Raleigh—so expect fireworks.

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Baseball is a sport that has captivated fans for generations with its thrilling sports stories and unforgettable moments. Among these, the greatest comebacks in baseball history stand out as beacons of resilience and determination! 💪✨ Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the game, there's something undeniably inspiring about watching a team defy the odds and snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. But what makes these baseball comebacks so compelling? Is it the electrifying atmosphere, the underdog triumph, or the sheer unpredictability of the game? Join us as we dive into some of the most epic comebacks that have left an indelible mark on baseball history, inspiring fans and athletes alike with their sports inspiration and magic on the field. ⚾️🏆

Legendary Comebacks in Baseball History

Baseball's rich history is filled with moments that defy belief. Let's dive into some of the most legendary comebacks that have left fans in awe and players etched in the annals of the sport.

Miracle Mets of 1969

The 1969 New York Mets, affectionately known as the "Miracle Mets," pulled off one of the most improbable comebacks in baseball history. This team, which had never finished above .500 in their seven-year existence, shocked the baseball world.

At the All-Star break, the Mets trailed the Chicago Cubs by 9.5 games in the National League East. However, they mounted an incredible second-half surge, winning 38 of their final 49 games and clinching the division title.

Their fairy-tale run didn't stop there. The Mets swept the Atlanta Braves in the National League Championship Series and went on to defeat the heavily favored Baltimore Orioles in the World Series. This comeback for the ages transformed the Mets from lovable losers to world champions, earning them a permanent place in baseball lore.

Red Sox's Historic 2004 Win

The Boston Red Sox's 2004 American League Championship Series (ALCS) comeback against their arch-rivals, the New York Yankees, is often hailed as the greatest in baseball history. Down 3-0 in the best-of-seven series, the Red Sox faced seemingly insurmountable odds.

Game 4 saw the Red Sox on the brink of elimination, trailing in the 9th inning. However, a stolen base by Dave Roberts sparked a rally that led to a series of dramatic victories. The Red Sox won four straight games, becoming the first team in MLB history to overcome a 3-0 series deficit.

This historic comeback didn't just break the Yankees' hearts; it shattered the 86-year-old "Curse of the Bambino". The Red Sox went on to sweep the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series, claiming their first championship since 1918 and forever changing the narrative of their franchise.

Unbelievable Moments on the Field

Baseball's unpredictable nature often leads to moments that seem straight out of a Hollywood script. These next comebacks showcase the heart-stopping drama that makes baseball truly America's pastime.

Cardinals' 2011 World Series Triumph

The St. Louis Cardinals' journey to the 2011 World Series title was nothing short of miraculous. Trailing the Atlanta Braves by 10.5 games in the National League wild-card race on August 25, the Cardinals mounted an incredible late-season charge.

They clinched a playoff berth on the final day of the regular season, setting the stage for an unforgettable postseason run. In the World Series against the Texas Rangers, the Cardinals faced elimination twice in Game 6, down to their final strike in both the 9th and 10th innings.

David Freese's game-tying triple in the 9th and walk-off home run in the 11th kept the Cardinals alive. They went on to win Game 7, completing one of the most improbable comebacks in World Series history. This series exemplified the never-say-die attitude that defines great baseball comebacks.

Cubs' Epic 2016 Championship Comeback

The Chicago Cubs' 2016 World Series victory was 108 years in the making, breaking the longest championship drought in North American sports history. Their comeback in the series against the Cleveland Indians was equally historic.

Down 3-1 in the best-of-seven series, the Cubs faced the daunting task of winning three straight games, two of them on the road. They rose to the challenge, winning Games 5 and 6 to force a decisive Game 7.

In a nerve-wracking finale that went into extra innings, the Cubs prevailed 8-7, ending their century-long "curse." This comeback not only secured a long-awaited championship but also provided catharsis for generations of Cubs fans, making it one of the most emotionally charged comebacks in sports history.

Lessons from the Greatest Comebacks

These incredible comebacks offer more than just thrilling entertainment. They provide valuable lessons about perseverance, teamwork, and the indomitable human spirit that extend far beyond the baseball diamond.

Perseverance in Baseball

Perseverance is the hallmark of great baseball comebacks. It's the ability to keep pushing forward, even when the odds seem insurmountable. This quality is exemplified in countless baseball moments, like the Cleveland Indians' record 12-run comeback against the Seattle Mariners.

In baseball, as in life, setbacks are inevitable. The key is to maintain focus and determination, regardless of the score or the inning. Great comebacks often start with small steps – a walk, a single, or a defensive play that shifts momentum.

Perseverance in baseball teaches us that no deficit is too large to overcome

Bob Uecker wasn’t just a broadcaster—he was the heart and humor of baseball. From his playing days to his legendary calls in the booth, Uecker made the game more fun for everyone. His wit, passion, and love for baseball will always be remembered. Here’s to “Mr. Baseball,” a true icon of the sport! ⚾

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