The 10 Most Influential Trades in Texas Rangers History

By Chris Giles | Jan 5, 2022

OAKLAND, CA - JULY 17: Mark Teixeira #23 of the Texas Rangers bats during the game against the Oakland Athletics at McAfee Coliseum on July 17, 2005 in Oakland, California. The A's defeated the Rangers 5-4 in 14 innings. (Photo by Brad Mangin /MLB Photos via Getty Images) /

8 of 10

#8- Fergie Jenkins Acquired from Chicago Cubs (1973)

Fergie Jenkins was traded to the Texas Rangers in 1973 as one of the greatest pitching trades in Rangers history. Jenkins had appeared in three all-star games for the Chicago Cubs and won the NL Cy Young Award in 1971.

Texas traded utility player Vic Harris and rookie third baseman Bill Madlock to the Cubs for a 31-year-old Jenkins. Jenkins promptly led the AL with 25 wins in 1974 and followed that up with 17 wins in 1975.

After the 1975 season, Texas traded Jenkins to Boston for rookie pitcher Steve Barr and future starting OF Juan Beniquez.

After the 1977 season, Boston traded Jenkins back to Texas. Jenkins pitched four more seasons in Texas then, signed a free agent contract with the Cubs in 1981, pitched two more seasons in Chicago then retired from baseball at the age of 40.

Home/Texas Rangers History