Over the last 30 years, we’ve seen first-hand the impact of in-season baseball trades. The Atlanta Braves, perhaps more than any other team in baseball, have benefitted from the addition of players who can help in the stretch run toward October.
Just in the last two weeks, one of those deals was celebrated for its 30th anniversary. The Braves needed more power in the lineup back in 1993, and the Padres made Fred McGriff available. Somehow, someway Atlanta general manager got McGriff without giving up top prospect Ryan Klesko. Instead, Melvin Nieves, Donnie Elliott, and Vince Moore were swapped for a player who would help the Braves (albeit two years later) win a World Series.