Most Bonkers Baseball Trades of All Time

No matter what team you support in MLB, the trades are an exciting time. Whether it’s a mouth-watering prospect or releasing a veteran, the switch-ups during MLB trades provide plenty of hot talking points. 

Every year there are some trades that are more contentious than others and some which most would never have predicted. However, looking back through baseball history, there are some trades that are, quite frankly, bonkers. 

Here’s a look at a handful of trades where the circumstances will probably never be repeated.

Joel Youngblood was a regular outfield player for the New York Mets, turning out in their colours from 1977 to 1982. With an All-Star appearance in 1981, he was a solid player for the team. 

On 4th August 1982, things were to take an unexpected turn. Lining up against the Cubs, he notched up a two-run RBI and was generally having a decent game. As he warmed up for the next innings, he was pulled out of the game and told that he had been traded to the Montreal Expos. 

Left with no alternative, Youngblood grabbed his things, said his goodbyes and immediately headed to his new team who were at Philadelphia, about to play the Phillies. 

The fact that Youngblood had only just arrived and knew nothing about his new team or co-players didn't stop the manager of the Expos from putting Youngblood straight in the lineup. In the 6th inning, the player stepped up to the plate and scored a single. 

This remains the one and only time a player has scored for two separate teams in two different cities on the same day.

Len Dondero isn’t a player that made a big impact in MLB, playing just 19 games in the majors and notching up six hits out of 31. 

After a dismal year at St Louis Browns in 1929, Dondero had a batting average of .194, and it's fair to say that his trade value was low. 

He was eventually traded to Dallas for a dozen donuts. His performance at his new club continued to be very poor, and it's said that the recipient of the donuts, Homer Hammond, felt that he got the better of the deal!

When we talk about baseball trades, we usually mean on the field, but two players decided on a different approach. 

Mike Kekich and Fritz Peterson were good friends, both lining up for the New York Yankees. Spending plenty of time together, they lived close by, and their families met up regularly. Sounds pretty ordinary so far? Hold onto your baseball caps. 

Fritz Peterson started to develop feelings for Kekich’s wife and family, and even more bizarrely, Kekich felt the same about Peterson’s loved ones. The two men decided to simply trade lives. Kekich moved in with Peterson’s wife and children, taking over his friend’s house and lifestyle. Peterson did the same in reverse, moving in with Kekich’s wife and claiming her as his own. 

Kekich's new wife seemingly wasn't too happy with the new arrangement, and the "pair" split. However, Peterson and his new wife were very happy and remained together despite the very unusual start to their relationship.