10. Derek Lowe and Jason Varitek to Red Sox — July 31, 1997
Seattle wanted this one back. Varitek became a productive catcher and leader of a Boston squad that has reached the postseason seven times and won two World Series. Lowe quickly became a solid reliever for four seasons before blossoming into one of the game’s most consistent starters. Heathcliff Slocum, a former All-Star, struggled in Seattle.
9. Mark McGwire to Cardinals — July 31, 1997
Before steroid allegations tainted his legacy, McGwire was an electrifying presence dating to his rookie season in Oakland (a rookie record 49 home runs). He was shipped to St. Louis at the deadline then staged an epic home run race in 1998 to shatter Babe Ruth’s record. He was limited by injuries in 2000 and 2001, but hit 59 homers to help the Cardinals to the playoffs.
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8. Randy Johnson to Astros — July 31, 1998
Houston needed an ace to become a legitimate contender. Seattle had one ready to bolt via free agency. So the Mariners traded Johnson for Carlos Guillen, Freddy Garcia and John Halama. Not a bad haul under the circumstances. Johnson went 10-1 with a 1.28 ERA in one summer in Houston and led the Astros to an NL Central title.
7. CC Sabathia to Brewers — July 7, 2008
Milwaukee needed a complement to injured ace Ben Sheets and traded four promising prospects to the Indians for Sabathia — Matt LaPorta, Zach Jackson, Rob Bryson and Taylor Green. Sabathia lived up to his end (11-2, 1.65 ERA), but Milwaukee ultimately fell short and watched the big man sign with the Yankees in the offseason.
6. Fred McGriff to Braves — July 18th, 1993
Another shrewd deal for the Braves, who took advantage of San Diego’s fire sale. McGriff was a three-time All-Star at first base and helped Atlanta win the NL pennant in 1993, a World Series in 1995 and followed by two more division titles. None of three minor-leaguers the Braves traded made a lasting impact.
5. Curt Schilling to Arizona — July 26, 2000
Everyone remembers what he did for the Red Sox in 2004. But Schilling also turned the tide for Arizona after the 2000 trade from the Phillies for Omar Daal, Nelson Figueroa, Travis Lee and Vincente Padilla. Schilling — 1-5 down stretch in 2000 — and Randy Johnson led the fourth-year club to a World Series title in 2001.
4. Jeff Bagwell to Astros — August 31, 1990
A post-deadline trade, but no one really cared. The Red Sox were getting Larry Andersen, a veteran relief pitcher who helped them win the AL East. Meanwhile, Bagwell played 15 seasons in Houston, winning Rookie of the Year (1991), MVP (1994), playing in four All-Star games and reaching the postseason six times, including the 2005 NL pennant.
3. Manny Ramirez to Dodgers — July 31, 2008
The Red Sox needed to trade the disgruntled wild man. The Dodgers were happy to help, turning Chavez Ravine into Mannywood. Slugger hit .396 with 17 homers and 53 RBI as Los Angeles advanced to the NLCS. Three-way trade with Pirates landed Boston OF Jason Bay — not a bad return. Pittsburgh took a pair of Dodgers and Red Sox prospects.
2. John Smoltz to Braves — August 12, 1987
Headline then would have read “Doyle Alexander to Detroit.” Former Cy Young winner helped the Tigers to the AL East crown and was 9-0 with a 1.53 ERA. But they paid a steep price. Smoltz made eight All-Star teams, won a Cy Young, spent a few years as an elite closer and helped Atlanta to the 1995 World Series title.
1. Lou Brock to Cardinals — June 15, 1964
Not a true deadline deal because it happened in June. But few have been so lopsided. Brock jump-started St. Louis with .348 batting average and 33 stolen bases. Helped the Cardinals to a World Series title that year and in 1967 en route to a Hall-of-Fame career. Cubs received P Ernie Broglio, who won seven games before arm troubles ended career.
