Top 10 most impactful MLB trade deadline moves of all time

10. Donn Clendenon, New York Mets (1969)

Clendenon’s 1969 season is fitting of a Hollywood script. The first baseman was slashing a modest .240/.272/.395 with four home runs and 14 RBIs for the Montreal Expos when he was dealt to the Mets at the June 15 deadline. The move paid major dividends for New York as Clendenon picked up his play to finish the year slashing .252/.321/.455 with 12 homers and 37 RBIs.

However, Clendenon’s biggest contribution to the Mets came during the team’s World Series against the Atlanta Braves. In the three-game sweep, Clendenon starred, slashing .357/.438/1.071 with three home runs, four RBIs and 15 total bases to win MVP honors. This made Clendenon the first midseason acquisition to ever earn the honor.

Donn Clendenon New York Mets trade deadline — Oct 16, 1969; Flushing, NY, USA; FILE PHOTO; New York Mets first baseman Donn Clendenon (22) celebrates with Tommie Agee (21) after hitting a home run in the third inning against the Baltimore Orioles during game 5 of the 1969 World Series at Shea Stadium. The Mets defeated the Orioles 5-3 and won the series 4-1. (Credit: Dick Raphael/USA TODAY Sports)

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10. Donn Clendenon, New York Mets (1969)

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