Fifteen most detrimental trading deals involving the St. Louis Cardinals throughout their team's history
In the world of sports, trades can be a double-edged sword. For the St. Louis Cardinals, their history is a testament to this fact, with a mix of both brilliant and regrettable deals. This article delves into some old scabs and fresh wounds in the Cardinals' history of bad trades, examining both old and recent trades that have caused pain for the team.
One of the most painful trades in recent memory is the deal made on December 13, 2017. In this trade, the Cardinals sent four prospects, including Sandy Alcantara, to the Miami Marlins in exchange for Marcell Ozuna. This trade is widely regarded as one of the worst in the franchise's recent history. Alcantara, who was given up, has since developed into an elite pitcher and even won the Cy Young Award, while the prospects the Cardinals let go had significant potential that was lost.
While a definitive ranked list of the 15 worst trades throughout the entire history of the Cardinals franchise is not available, this trade is widely considered a top contender for the worst in recent decades. Other historically bad trades for St. Louis are often discussed in context or as part of fan debates, but specifics beyond the Ozuna-Alcantara deal are not readily available.
Wasting money on a bad contract for a player is perceived as less painful than acquiring a disappointing player or giving away premier talent. The Cardinals have experienced their fair share of such regrettable trades. For instance, there have been trades that have frustrated the team and often benefited the other club, as well as some awful trades in recent memory that the team is still reeling from.
Despite these painful trades, the Cardinals have also made some incredible trades that have significantly changed the trajectory of the franchise. Notable among these are the acquisitions of Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado, which have undoubtedly contributed to the team's success in recent years.
In conclusion, the Cardinals' history is a rollercoaster ride of trades, with both highs and lows. While the 2017 trade of Sandy Alcantara for Marcell Ozuna stands out as one of the worst in recent years, a comprehensive list of the 15 worst trades in the entire history of the franchise remains elusive. However, this trade serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of making the wrong deal.
[1] [Source 1] [2] [Source 2]
[1] The trade of Sandy Alcantara for Marcell Ozuna in 2017 is considered one of the worst trades in the recent history of the St. Louis Cardinals, as Alcantara, who was given up, has since become an elite pitcher and even won the Cy Young Award.
[2] Baseball trades can be particularly painful for a team, such as the Cardinals, when premier talent is given away, as seen in the trade of Sandy Alcantara for Marcell Ozuna.
