The Indians and Cubs work out a blockbuster deal that will play key roles in both clubs’ futures, as Cleveland sends future Cy Young Award winner Rick Sutcliffe and others to Chicago for Joe Carter and more.
Chicago’s big haul was the pitcher Sutcliffe, a former Rookie of the Year for the Los Angeles Dodgers and an All-Star for the first time with the Tribe in 1983. While off to just a 4-5 record through 15 starts this season, he will go 16-1 down the stretch for Chicago to win the Cy Young Award and help the Cubs clinch the National League East crown.
Chicago also acquired backup catcher Ron Hassey, who was in his seventh year with Cleveland, and reliever George Frazier, who would finish the second half of his season 6-3.
The Indians rebuilt some of their roster on the fly by acquiring Carter, the former first round pick (second overall) in 1981. He became one of the major offensive weapons in the Cleveland lineup for years to come. His trade at the end of his Indians career after the 1989 season helped to build the powerhouse teams of the 1990’s.
Cleveland also received outfielder Mel Hall, who had finished third in the Rookie of the Year vote in 1983. He too would become a regular in the Indians lineup before being traded to the New York Yankees prior to the 1989 season. Pitcher Don Schulze appeared in exactly 19 games in each of the 1984 through 1986 seasons before he was traded to the New York Mets. A minor league starter, Darryl Banks, was also sent in the trade but he appeared in just eight games for Cleveland at the Double-A level before his career ended.