Ranking the 5 Worst MLB Rental Trades Since 2020: Oh Giolito!
Sportsgrid Staff
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1. Angels' Risky Trade with White Sox for Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo Lopez
In a bold move to retain Shohei Ohtani, the Angels traded for Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo Lopez in 2023. The plan backfired as Giolito struggled with a 6.89 ERA and both players were soon placed on waivers. The White Sox gained top prospect Edgar Quero and promising pitcher Ky Bush, both showing great potential, making this a painful loss for the Angels.
Cost: Top-100 Prospect Edgar Quero and Pitching Prospect Ky Bush
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5. Athletics Acquire Starling Marte from Marlins
In a surprising move for the A’s, they traded a promising lefty, Jesus Luzardo, for outfielder Starling Marte in 2021. Despite his struggles and transition to the bullpen, Luzardo was a valuable asset. Marte performed well, hitting .316 with 25 steals, but the A's didn't make the postseason, and Marte left in free agency. Luzardo, on the other hand, has flourished in Miami, increasing his trade value significantly.
Cost: 5.5 years of LHP Jesus Luzardo to the Miami Marlins
4. Mets Secure Javier Baez and Trevor Williams from Cubs
The Mets, leading their division in 2021, brought in Javier Baez to fill in for the injured Francisco Lindor and later play second base. Baez delivered with a .299 average and nine home runs in 47 games, but the Mets' season ended in disappointment. Trevor Williams contributed as a swingman, but the highlight was trading away Pete Crow-Armstrong, who has become a key prospect for the Cubs and made his MLB debut in 2023.
Cost: Top-100 Prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong
3. Cardinals Trade for Veteran Jon Lester from Nationals
The Cardinals traded for 37-year-old Jon Lester, in 2021, hoping to bolster their pitching. Lester improved slightly with a 4.36 ERA in St. Louis but retired after the season. The Nationals benefited significantly by acquiring Lane Thomas, who thrived in Washington, hitting .270 with seven home runs in 45 games and continuing to excel in subsequent seasons.
Cost: 4.5 years of Lane Thomas to the Nationals
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2. Dodgers Acquire Joe Kelly and Lance Lynn from White Sox
The Dodgers aimed to strengthen their bullpen by reacquiring Joe Kelly and adding Lance Lynn in 2023. While Kelly was effective in limited innings, Lynn was underwhelming. The White Sox capitalized by receiving Nick Nastrini, a top-10 prospect with starting potential, and Jordan Leasure, a promising bullpen addition. The trade didn’t significantly impact the Dodgers, but the White Sox gained valuable future assets.
Cost: RHP Nick Nastrini, RHP Jordan Leasure
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1. Angels' Risky Trade with White Sox for Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo Lopez
In a bold move to retain Shohei Ohtani, the Angels traded for Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo Lopez in 2023. The plan backfired as Giolito struggled with a 6.89 ERA and both players were soon placed on waivers. The White Sox gained top prospect Edgar Quero and promising pitcher Ky Bush, both showing great potential, making this a painful loss for the Angels.
Cost: Top-100 Prospect Edgar Quero and Pitching Prospect Ky Bush
For all your MLB deep dives check out our friends at Just Baseball.
5. Athletics Acquire Starling Marte from Marlins
In a surprising move for the A’s, they traded a promising lefty, Jesus Luzardo, for outfielder Starling Marte in 2021. Despite his struggles and transition to the bullpen, Luzardo was a valuable asset. Marte performed well, hitting .316 with 25 steals, but the A's didn't make the postseason, and Marte left in free agency. Luzardo, on the other hand, has flourished in Miami, increasing his trade value significantly.
Cost: 5.5 years of LHP Jesus Luzardo to the Miami Marlins
