Top 5 Trades in MLB history that changed baseball forever: From Babe Ruth and Lou Brock to Jeff Bagwell and Rafael Devers (Image Via Getty) Baseball trades can change everything for a team. A good trade can build a champion. Some trades became so big that fans still talk about them decades later. These five trades are some of the most important in the history of Major League Baseball. They brought big stars, changed teams, and helped shape the game we see today. All these picks are based on expert lists and reliable reports.
Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees (1919)
In 1919, the Boston Red Sox sold Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees for $100,000. At the time, many saw it as just money for Boston. But Babe Ruth became one of the greatest hitters in baseball history. With the Yankees, he hit huge home runs and helped the team win four World Series titles. The Red Sox would not win another World Series for 86 years after that deal. Today, this trade is still called the biggest in baseball history.
John Smoltz to the Atlanta Braves (1987)
The Detroit Tigers traded young pitcher John Smoltz to the Atlanta Braves for veteran pitcher Doyle Alexander in 1987. Smoltz went on to become one of the best pitchers of his era. He won more than 200 games and also became a strong closer, even winning a Cy Young Award. His long success helped the Braves reach many playoffs and win a World Series.
Lou Brock to the St. Louis Cardinals (1964)
The Chicago Cubs traded Lou Brock to the St. Louis Cardinals during the 1964 season. Lou Brock became a Hall of Famer with St. Louis. He stole nearly 1,000 bases in his career and helped the Cardinals win the World Series that year and again later. The Cubs got pitcher Ernie Broglio, but he did not help them much after the deal.
Larry Andersen for Jeff Bagwell (1990)
In 1990, the Boston Red Sox traded reliever Larry Andersen to the Houston Astros for a young prospect named Jeff Bagwell. Bagwell became a superstar for the Astros, with more than 400 home runs and a spot in the Hall of Fame. Andersen only pitched briefly for the Red Sox. Many fans now call this one of the most one-sided trades ever.
Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants (2025)
A very recent trade happened on June 15, 2025. The Boston Red Sox traded star slugger Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants. In return, Boston received pitchers Jordan Hicks and Kyle Harrison and prospects James Tibbs III and Jose Bello. Devers is a three-time All-Star and one of the best hitters in baseball. This deal shook up the 2025 season and is already a major moment in trade history. Also Read: MLB Trade Rumors: Ketel Marte Trade Buzz Grows As New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs, And Los Angeles Dodgers Watch Arizona Diamondbacks