A Trade Proposal That Could Have Changed History
In the world of sports, hindsight often reveals the absurdity of certain trade proposals, and one from a decade ago stands out as particularly striking. Back in 2013, the Atlanta Braves were looking to shake things up with the New York Yankees, a team in the midst of retooling after the decline of its aging roster. ESPN’s Jeff Passan recently shed light on a trade scenario that, had it gone through, might have left the Yankees in a far less favorable position.
The Proposed Exchange
The trade in question would have seen a significant number of players switch teams. The Braves, who were struggling at the time, would have sent a package that included outfielder Jason Heyward, shortstop Andrelton Simmons, outfielder B.J. Upton, infielder Chris Johnson, and right-hander David Carpenter to the Yankees. In exchange, the Yankees would have shipped outfielder Aaron Judge, right-hander Luis Severino, catcher Gary Sanchez, and left-handers Manny Bañuelos and Ian Clarkin to Atlanta.
Reflecting on this potential deal, Passan noted, “Safe to say Yankees are happy they didn’t say yes.” The implication is clear: the Braves would have not just won this trade but effectively fleeced the Yankees.
Stars on the Move
At the time, the names involved were intriguing. Heyward and Simmons were standout players, but the true gems in the potential swap were Judge, Severino, and Sanchez. Judge, now a three-time MVP and a formidable presence with 368 career home runs, would have brought a power bat to Atlanta. Severino, who has been an All-Star and a Cy Young finalist, would have bolstered the Braves’ pitching staff. Sanchez, a strong hitter in his early years, would have added depth to the lineup.
Had the trade occurred, the timeline suggests that the arrival of these stars could have aligned perfectly with the Braves’ resurgence, which began in earnest around 2018. Perhaps with Judge in tow, the Braves could have been contenders a year earlier, in 2017.
Imagining a Different Era
Fast forward to today, and Judge remains the only one of this proposed group still performing at an elite level. It’s fascinating to consider what might have been for the Braves had they acquired him. With the current state of the 2023 Braves’ lineup, having Judge could have made a significant difference, especially during challenging stretches in the past two seasons.
However, it’s essential to take a step back and assess the broader picture. While the trade didn’t materialize, one team involved—the Braves—has since secured a World Series title, whereas the Yankees have not added to their trophy case. This divergence in success highlights the unpredictable nature of trades and the fortunes that can change in professional sports.
The Bigger Picture
Ultimately, this hypothetical trade scenario serves as a reminder of how quickly the landscape of baseball can shift. The Yankees dodged a bullet, but they also represent a cautionary tale about missed opportunities. Many teams that fail to capitalize on such trades do not find themselves as fortunate as the Yankees have been in the years since.
As we reflect on this trade that never was, it becomes a compelling “what if” in the annals of baseball history, showcasing the delicate balance of risk and reward that defines the sport.
