Five Worst Trades In Oakland Athletics’ History

Reggie Jackson and Ken Holtzman to the Orioles for Don Baylor – 1976

After three Worlds Championships and five straight AL West crowns, A’s owner Charlie Finley made a surprise move on April 3, right before the start of the 1976 season. He sent superstar Reggie Jackson and 20-game winning pitcher Ken Holtzman to the Orioles in return for outfielder Don Baylor and pitcher Mike Torrez. The move, which took place in 1976, marked the beginning of Finley’s dismantling of the A’s dynasty.

Reggie, the 1973 MVP and only 29 years old at the time of the trade, would go on to be an All-Star eight more times. After being dealt to the Yankees the following season, he continued his stardom in New York, becoming “Mr. October” with the Yankees World Champion teams of 1977 and 1978. He would eventually be elected to the Hall of Fame in 1992.

Baylor played only a single season with the Athletics, where he hit .247 and had 15 home runs.

Next: Bright Lights, Big City for Rickey