2012 MLB Free Agency: 40 of the Biggest Moves in MLB History

The Major League season down to two teams fighting for a World Series title, meaning 28 teams are left to prepare for 2012.

Every offseason a team looks at the talent that it's farm system has developed to determine whether or not they've got enough existing pieces to field an even more competitive team than the previous season.

When holes exist, it's time to look outside at top talent that may be available. Players whose seasons are over are now finding themselves considering options as they prepare to enter free agency, and GMs are waiting to determine which trades are feasible enough to get their teams over the hump.

Here are 40 deals that provided players a change in scenery (and in some cases a big payday) and gave their new teams a jolt in doing so.

Pete Rose: 1979 Philadelphia Phillies

It's hard to consider a four year contract handed out to a 38 year old a blockbuster, but when you're talking about Pete Rose it's a little different.

Rose Batted .331 in the first year of his contract and showed tremendous durability while playing every game that season. Just a year later, the Phillies would celebrate their first World Series championship.

Adrian Gonzalez: Acquired by San Diego Padres in 2006

When Adrian Gonzalez came over to the San Diego Padres in January of 2006 it was hard to say exactly what they'd be getting their hands on.

A No. 1 draft pick in 2000, Gonzalez only played 59 games with the Rangers between 2004 and 2005. He hit only 7 home runs during that span and had an on-base percentage hovering around .270.

Needless to say things went much better in San Diego as Gonzalez would hit 161 home runs in five seasons while knocking in over 500 runs.

Jack Morris: 1991 Minnesota Twins

The Minnesota Twins' worst to first turnaround in 1991 certainly wouldn't have been possible without the offseason acquisition of Jack Morris.

Morris won 18 games during the 1991 season as he threw nearly 250 innings and led the Twins to a matchup with the Atlanta Braves in the World Series.

It was then that Morris turned in one of the best pitching performances of all time in game 7 leading the Twins to victory in extra innings.

Steve Carlton: Acquired by Philadelphia Phillies in 1972

The Philadelphia Phillies gave up a promising player in Rick Wise when they acquired Steve Carlton from the St. Louis Cardinals, but the move most certainly paid dividends.

Carlton was inserted into the Phillies rotation in 1972 and won an astounding 27 games with an ERA below 2.00 and over 300 strikeouts, good enough to earn him the first of his four Cy Young awards.

Barry Bonds: 1993 San Francisco Giants

After the Pittsburgh Pirates declined to retain their two time MVP Barry Bonds, the San Francisco Giants saw an opportunity and acted on it.

They signed Bonds to a six year, $43.75 million contract and he picked up right where he left off. He hit .336 with 46 home runs in his first season with the Giants, earning him MVP honors.

In the 14 years following the 1993 season Bonds hit 540 more home runs, surpassing Hank Aaron atop the all-time home run list.

Joe Carter/Roberto Alomar: Acquired by Toronto Blue Jays in 1990

The Toronto Blue Jays made a bold move in shipping one of their best players, Fred McGriff, out of town. But in doing so they brought in two players that would significantly impact the franchise in a positive way.

Joe Carter was a five time all-star with the Blue Jays and would hit the World Series clinching home run against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Roberto Alomar spent five all-start seasons in Toronto as well and this past summer became the first player to go into the Hall of Fame as a Blue Jay.

Greg Maddux: 1993 Atlanta Braves

Coming off a Cy Young season in 1992, Greg Maddux was due a big pay day. He got it with the Atlanta Braves when they signed him to a five year, $28 million deal.

The Braves got the most out of their investment as he won 194 games in 11 seasons, winning three more Cy Young awards and participating in six all-star games.

Lou Brock: Acquired by St. Louis Cardinals in 1964

Lou Brock is one of many great names etched in St. Louis Cardinal history. The player that the Cardinals acquired him for in the summer of 1964 can't quite say the same for himself.

Brock spent 16 years with the Cardinals, batting .297 and stealing nearly 1,000 bases while amassing over 3,000 hits.

Ernie Broglio on the other hand went 7-19 with an ERA over 5.00 in three seasons with the Chicago Cubs.

Randy Johnson: 1999 Arizona Diamondbacks

The Arizona Diamondbacks made a relatively bold move in signing Randy Johnson to a four year, $53 million deal.

The Young franchise was clearly in it to win it as they would acquire Curt Schilling just a year later, proving to be a move that got them over the hump as they went on to win the 2001 World Series.

He won Cy Young awards in his first four years with the team, winning more than 80 games with an ERA below 2.75 in each season.

Goose Gossage: 1978 New York Yankees

In his third Major League stop, Goose Gossage made a name for himself as he became one of the best relievers to don the pinstripes.

Gossage was a four time all-star with the Yankees and a part of the 1978 World Series championship team. On top of that, he didn't once have an ERA above 2.75 in a season with the Yankees and saved over 150 games in the process.

Ichiro Suzuki: 2001 Seattle Mariners

With an initial concern of his ability to handle the transition to playing in the Major Leagues, it was somewhat of a risk for the Seattle Mariners to sign Ichiro Suzuki to a $27 million dollar deal, making him the first position player from Japan to make the move.

The move went well. He won both MVP and Rookie of the Year honors in his rookie season and has batted over .300 and had 200 hits in every season with the exception of 2011.

David Ortiz: 2003 Boston Red Sox

After non-tendering David Ortiz following the 2002 season, the Minnesota Twins essentially gave up on the slugger that failed to produce up to their expectations.

Signing a one year, $1.25 million deal with the Boston Red Sox, David Ortiz set out to prove the league wrong.

In his first season with the Red Sox, Ortiz hit 31 home runs and finished fifth in MVP voting. Since then he's his over 23 home runs in each season with the team, once hitting over 50.

Nolan Ryan: 1980 Houston Astros

After striking out nearly 2,500 batters in eight seasons with the California Angels, Nolan Ryan made his way to the lone star state as he would spend the next nine years of his career with the Houston Astros.

His dominance continued as he'd win 106 games with the Astros and struck out better than nine batters per nine innings during his tenure.

Johan Santana: Acquired by Minnesota Twins in 1999

The Minnesota Twins made a move that paid dividends for years in 1999 when they acquired Johan Santana in the Rule 5 draft in exchange for Jared Camp.

For years Santana was the ace of the Twins' pitching staff, highlighted by a 20 win, 265 strikeout campaign in 2004 that earned him his first Cy Young award.

Unfortunately for the Twins, it became clear that Santana didn't intend on sticking around in Minnesota so they ultimately decided to trade him to the New York Mets for a group of prospects, most notably Carlos Gomez.

Andre Dawson: 1987 Chicago Cubs

After an impressive 11 year career north of the border with the Montreal Expos, Andre Dawson made his way to Chicago in joining the Cubs in 1987.

His impact may not have immediately translated to wins for the Cubs, as they'd finish last in the NL East with a 76-85 record, but his individual numbers opened many eyes. 

His 49 home runs and 137 RBI (both career highs) were enough to earn him the NL MVP award and was a great start to a six year stint in which he'd knock in nearly 600 RBI with the Cubs.

Christy Mathewson: Acquired by Giants in 1900

As the country was getting ready to wrap up the first year of the 1900s, the Reds were getting ready to unload someone that would eventually become one of the best pitchers in Major League history.

Christy Mathewson came over to the Giants from the Reds and had an illustrious 17 year career with the team in which he won 372 games and posted a 2.12 ERA while striking out over 2,500 batters.

Terry Pendleton: 1991 Atlanta Braves

After seven years in St. Louis with the Cardinals, Terry Pendleton moved onto the Atlanta Braves before the 1991 season.

He immediately produced better than any year with the Cardinals, batting .319 with 187 hits en route to his first and only MVP trophy.

His contributions to the team as a whole were evidenced by the Braves World Series appearance against the Minnesota Twins in which they'd come up just short, losing a game seven nail biter.

Vladimir Guerrero: 2004 Anaheim Angels

After eight productive seasons with the Montreal Expos, Vladimir Guerrero signed a five year, $70 million contract with the Anaheim Angels prior to the 2004 season.

The Angels were rewarded with an MVP season from Guerrero in which he led the team to the ALDS thanks to his 39 home runs, 126 RBI and .337 batting average.

Guerrero enjoyed three more all-star seasons with the Angels before signing with the Texas Rangers in 2010.

Babe Ruth: Acquired by New York Yankees in 1920

In a move that cursed the Boston Red Sox for the better part of the 20th century, Babe Ruth was dealt to the New York Yankees in exchange for $100,000 in cash after the Sox declined to increase his salary.

Ruth became one of the best offensive players of all time during his 15 years with the Yankees, driving in nearly 2,000 runs thanks in part to his 659 home runs.

Kirk Gibson: 1988 Los Angeles Dodgers

Kirk Gibson's heroics in game 1 of the 1988 World Series were just one part of a remarkable first season with the Dodgers. His limp-off home run against Dennis Eckersley was the momentum changer that led to the team knocking off the heavily favored Athletics in 5 games.

Gibson batted .290 in 1988 with a .377 on-base percentage and a .860 OPS, good for MVP honors. It proved to be the most productive of his three seasons with the team as he finished his tenure in Los Angeles with a .264 average and .353 OBP.

Ryne Sandberg: Acquired by Chicago Cubs in 1982

Ryne Sandberg, acquired in a trade with the Philadelphia Phillies for Ivan De Jesus, is widely considered to be one of the best Chicago Cubs in team history, and in many avenues as one of the best multi-talented middle infielders to play the game.

His offensive talent was most highly evidenced in 1984 when he batted .319, knocked in 84 runs and went deep 19 times, good for MVP honors.

Manny Ramirez: 2001 Boston Red Sox

Manny Ramirez was an immensely talented offensive player before leaving the Cleveland Indians prior to the 2001 season.

The Boston Red Sox rewarded him with an eight year, $160 million contract and he wouldn't disappoint.

He may have had some 'unique' tendencies, but his bat did the bulk of the talking as he batted .312 with 274 home runs and drove in nearly 900 runs.

Jeff Bagwell: Acquired by Houston Astros in 1990

The Houston Astros hit a major jackpot in acquiring Jeff Bagwell from the Boston Red Sox in exchange for Larry Anderson.

Bagwell made his debut with the Astros in 1991 and would take home Rookie of the Year honors with a 15 home run, 82 RBI effort.

He'd spend 15 years with Houston, winning the MVP award in 1994 and finishing his career with 449 home runs and more than 1,500 RBI.

Reggie Jackson: 1977 New York Yankees

Reggie Jackson had already established himself as a star in the league with the Oakland Athletics, but was ultimately traded away.

It was prior to the 1977 season that the New York Yankees would add Jackson to the roster, a move that proved to complete their World Series puzzle as he would then be dubbed 'Mr. October' thanks to his game 6 performance in which he went deep three times.

Nolan Ryan: Acquired by California Angels in 1971

Nolan Ryan's dominance as one of the game's greatest pitchers really took off after he was sent to the Angels from the Mets in a deal that sent four players westward in exchange for Jim Fregosi.

Ryan would spend eight great years with the Angels, winning 138 games and striking out over 2,400 batters before signing with the Houston Astros in 1980.

Carlton Fisk: 1981 Chicago White Sox

After an 11 year career with the Boston Red Sox, Carlton Fisk changed scenery as he headed to the windy city to play with the Chicago White Sox.

Fisk would spend the final 13 years of his career with the White Sox, making four all-star appearances and finishing third in MVP balloting in 1983 when he led the team to a division title. 

Randy Johnson: Acquired by Seattle Mariners in 1989

The Montreal Expos sent Randy Johnson to the Mariners in a five player deal that centered around Johnson and Mark Langston. Langston would end up having a great career, but Johnson would establish himself as one of the best strikeout pitchers the game has seen.

In 10 seasons with the Mariners, Johnson struck out 2,162 batters (10.6 per nine innings) and won 130 games before going to the Astros in 1998.

Bobby Grich: 1977 California Angels

After seven seasons with the Baltimore Orioles, Bobby Grich signed with the California Angels where he'd play over 1,200 games in 10 seasons.

Grich batted .269 during his time with the Angels and played a big part in three division titles during his time as an Angel infielder.

Joe Nathan/Francisco Liriano: Acquired by Minnesota Twins in 2003

Having just saved one career game prior to coming over to the Minnesota Twins, Joe Nathan established himself as one of the best closers in the league after being moved into the role.

Him and Francisco Liriano were key components of a deal that sent A.J. Pierzynski to the San Francisco Giants.

Pierzynski spent one year with the Giants before signing with the Chicago White Sox. Nathan has finished nearly 400 games and saved over 260 of them since 2004, while Francisco Liriano continues to show glimpses of brilliance and potential with the Twins while still fighting with his control issues.

Nolan Ryan: 1989 Texas Rangers

Nolan Ryan had already had successful tenures in both California and Houston, and after the 1988 season decided to move in-state and join the Texas Rangers.

In his five seasons with the Rangers he went 51-39 with a 3.43 ERA and struck out nearly a thousand batters.

His best season proved to be his first, when he struck out over 300 batters and finished with a 16-10 record.

Dante Bichette: Acquired by Colorado Rockies in 1992

The Colorado Rockies made a wise move in acquiring Dante Bichette to swing the bat in the hitter friendly confines of Coors Field.

It cost them nearly nothing and Bichette spent seven very productive seasons with the Rockies, hitting for great power (over 200 home runs) while still maintaining a .316 batting average.

Don Baylor: 1977 California Angels

Don Baylor played for six different teams during his Major League career, but some of his best came in an Angel uniform.

In his third year with the Angels he drove in 140 runs and won his only MVP trophy.

Mark McGwire: Acquired by St. Louis Cardinals in 1997

In making his way to St. Louis via a trade with the Oakland Athletics, Mark McGwire entered what would become some of the most exciting years baseball had seen in recent memory.

His first full season with the team would yield a then record 70 home runs as the long ball era (ultimately determined to be the steroid era) was in full effect.

He followed up his 1998 performance with 65 home runs in 1999 and while his legacy has clearly been tainted by his ties to performance enhancing supplements the years are still likely in the memories of baseball fans everywhere, be it for better or for worse.

Cecil Fielder: 1990 Detroit Tigers

After spending four seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays, Cecil Fielder took a one year hiatus from the Major Leagues and spent a season in Japan.

Upon returning to America, Fielder signed a two year, $3 million deal with the Detroit Tigers.

In his first season in the motor city Fielder hit 51 home runs and followed it up with 44 home runs the following season, coming up second in MVP voting both years.

Mike Lowell: Acquired by Florida Marlins in 1999

In a trade with the New York Yankees, the Florida Marlins acquired their third baseman of the future in Mike Lowell.

He spent seven great years with the Fins, taking three trips to the all-star game and winning a World Series title in 2003 before heading to Boston prior to the 2006 season.

Catfish Hunter: 1975 New York Yankees

Catfish Hunter was another Oakland transplant who would help the Yankees win in a big way.

After winning a Cy Young award and his third straight World Series championship with the Athletics in 1974 Hunter would sign with the Yankees where he'd win two more championships, highlighted by his 23 win season in 1975 where he threw an impressive 328 innings.

Steve Garvey: 1983 San Diego Padres

In signing Steve Garvey to a five year, $6.6 million deal the San Diego Padres got an eight time All-Star and a one time NL MVP.

His five years in San Diego weren't as productive as his 14 in Los Angeles, but his veteran leadership proved to be enough to help lead the Padres to the World Series in 1984.

Magglio Ordonez: 2005 Detroit Tigers

While his productivity may have declined from his most prolific seasons, Magglio Ordonez is still an important part of the success that the current AL Central division champions enjoy.

Ordonez signed a five year, $75 million deal with the Tigers in 2005 after playing less than 60 games the year before, but has since batted a combined .312 in seven seasons and has driven in over 500 runs.

Ivan Rodriguez: 2004 Detroit Tigers

After winning a World Series title with the Florida Marlins in 2004, Ivan Rodriguez made his way to the motor city in signing a four year, $40 million contract with the Detroit Tigers.

Rodriguez would lead the Tigers to a Wild Card berth in 2006 and finished his time in Detroit with a .298 batting average and .328 on-base percentage in over 600 games.

Pedro Martinez: Acquired by Boston Red Sox in 2007

After a Cy Young season with the Montreal Expos in 1997, Pedro Martinez was sent to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for Tony Armas Jr. and Carl Pavano.

He came out of the gates running in 1998, winning 19 games and finishing second in the Cy Young voting. His next two seasons would be even better as he'd win a combined 41 games and would take home the Cy Young hardware in both seasons.