People like to make a big deal that Babe Ruth, perhaps the greatest player in major-league history, was sold to the Yankees for $125,000. Considering all he accomplished in pinstripes—four World Series, an MVP award, 10 American League home run crowns—most would agree New York got the Bambino on the cheap. But if you want to talk about bargains, the Mets just acquired veteran outfielder Cameron Maybin, 11th among active players in career stolen bases (186), for half the price of a Taco Bell Crunchwrap.
And if that wasn’t sufficiently insulting, the 34-year-old is reportedly headed to the Mets’ Triple-A affiliate in Syracuse. However, with New York’s outfield in shambles (Albert Almora, Michael Conforto, Jeff McNeil, Brandon Nimmo and Kevin Pillar are all on the Mets’ injured list), Maybin shouldn’t be in the minors for long. Though exceedingly rare, dollar transactions in sports are not without precedent. That’s how much the Mariners paid Texas for reliever Ernesto Frieri in 2017 while former Red Wings forward Kris Draper also exchanged hands for only a buck when Winnipeg pawned him off on Detroit early in his NHL tenure.
While getting dealt for a dollar can’t be good for anyone’s self esteem, Maybin’s career in MLB has left him with few complaints. The former first-round pick has made over $41 million since debuting with Detroit in 2007 and also holds a World Series ring from his stint with Houston. New York will be Maybin's 10th team in 15 major-league seasons.
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