Detroit Tigers: The Five Best Trades in Franchise History

Detroit acquires Willie Hernandez, Dave Bergman from Philadelphia in exchange for Glenn Wilson, John Wockenfuss

The trade that won the Tigers the 1984 World Series. On March 24, just over a week before the season began, the Tigers shipped outfielder Glenn Wilson and catcher John Wockenfuss to Philadelphia in exchange for Willie Hernandez and Dave Bergman.

Wilson had played in 144 games the previous year for the Tigers, but the acquisition of Darrell Evans and a full outfield of Larry Herndon, Chet Lemon and Kirk Gibson meant he was the odd man out. Likewise, veteran John Wockenfuss was no longer needed with catchers Marty Castillo and Dwight Lowry on the roster.

Wilson had a solid career in Philadelphia, even making an All-Star game in 1986. And Wockenfuss was a valuable reserve in 1984 before retiring in 1985. While these two were solid in Philly, Hernandez and Bergman were crucial pieces to Detroit’s 1984 squad.

Detroit’s Haul

Hernandez assumed the role of closer in Detroit and had one of the best seasons in history by a relief pitcher. He went 9-3 with a 1.92 ERA in 140 1/3 innings. He led the league with 80 appearances and 68 games finished. Hernandez was not only an All-Star, but he won both the Cy Young Award and the AL MVP award. It was a truly magical season for the Tigers and Hernandez.

He went on to pitch five more years in the Motor City, making two more All-Star games and finishing with 120 saves and a 2.98 ERA.

Bergman spent the next nine seasons in Detroit, primarily as a role player. He hit .273 with seven home runs in 271 at-bats in 1984, playing first base.

While Glenn Wilson turned out to be a solid player for the Phillies, the Tigers likely don’t win the World Series without Hernandez. As such, this goes down as one of the best trades in team history.