The 3 Worst Trades Made in Houston Astros History

Trades in the MLB can either be hit or miss, especially when prospects are the main parts of the package. Let’s take a look back on the three worst trades made by the Houston Astros front office. 

Houston Astros trade Kenny Lofton to the Cleveland Indians

Full trade package:

Houston Astros receive C Eddie Taubensee & P Willie Blair

Cleveland Indians receive Kenny Lofton

Looking back at this trade, the Astros have to be hurt after seeing how great of a career Kenny Lofton ended up having. Lofton was selected in the 17th round of the 1988 MLB Draft by the Houston Astros. He was looked at as a speedy player that got on base but had no power whatsoever.

Lofton made his MLB debut with the Astros in 1991 but only ended up playing a total of 20 games for the organization before being traded. In those 20 games played, he hit .203/.253/.216 (AVG/OBP/SLG) along with a -0.1 WAR.

However, in his first five seasons with the Indians, Lofton exploded for a .316/.382/.437 slash line along with 868 hits, 39 home runs, 325 stolen bases, and 261 RBIs. He also won four Gold Glove awards in the outfield while with the Indians. Lofton then went to play for the Atlanta Braves in 1997 but came back to the Indians in 1998.

As for Eddie Taubensee, he didn’t do much during his time with the Houston Astros. In his 203 games with the Astros, Taubensee slashed .234/.296/.351 along with 14 HR and 70 RBI.

The other player sent to Houston was pitcher Willie Blair who only played for one season with them. In his 78.1 innings pitched, he had a 4.00 ERA and a 1.258 WHIP.