Three historic trades that led to World Series titles

Playoff teams are made, and occasionally, champions are made in July. Blockbuster deals occur every year, but seldom directly lead to a World Series Championship. As MLB’s trade deadline rapidly approaches on July 31 at 6 p.m. EST, it’s time for teams to push the chips in with the hope of it leading to winning the Fall Classic. 

To prepare for the trade frenzy, here are three historic trades that dramatically shaped the World Series.

1. July 29, 2024: Dodgers acquire INF/OF Tommy Edman, RHP Michael Kopech and RHP Oliver Gonzalez in three-team deal

In a three-way trade involving the Dodgers, Cardinals, and White Sox, the Dodgers won the deal by a mile. Edman was an essential bat in Los Angeles’s postseason lineup. Edman slashed .328/.354/.508 with 13 RBIs in October and won the NLCS MVP Award. His immaculate defense and consistency at the plate provided the Dodgers with much-needed run support deep in the lineup.

Kopech also became a vital part of the Dodgers’ bullpen. His pre-trade 4.95 ERA and 1.35 WHIP dropped to 1.13 and 0.79, respectively, in Los Angeles. While he showed a bit less thump, Kopech’s win over the Padres in Game 4 of the NLDS and win in Game 1 of the NLCS were essential to the Dodgers winning their ring.

2. July 30, 2023: Rangers acquire LHP Jordan Montgomery and RHP Chris Stratton from Cardinals for SS Thomas Saggese, RHP Tekoah Roby and LHP John King

Montgomery gave the Rangers’ rotation a power boost that took them from great to elite. Already armed with Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi, Montgomery added a third, deadly punch to the Rangers in the second half of the season. He went 4-2 with a 2.79 ERA through 11 starts to end the 2023 season before doubling down in October. Montgomery dealt decisive wins against the Rays and Astros in the AL Wild Card and ALCS. Montgomery played a large part in the Rangers’ ability to steamroll opponents in the postseason.

3. July 28, 2015: Royals acquire INF Ben Zobrist from Athletics for Sean Manaea and Aaron Brooks

Zobrist’s arrival in Kansas City was a game-changer. In his 59 games with the Royals in 2015, he slashed .284/.364/.453. Somehow, his hitting during the playoffs was even better, as Zobrist improved his slash line to .303/.365/.515 in October and November. His memorable go-ahead run in Game 2 of the ALDS and his rallying-inducing single in Game 2 of the ALCS were significant in the Royals’ ability to topple the Astros and Blue Jays. Although there were many pivotal players on the Royals in 2015, Zobrist was by far the most influential in Kansas City, snapping their 30-year World Series drought.