The Five Best Trades in Royals History

1983 Donruss Action All Stars Hal McRae

3. Richie Scheinblum for Hal McRae (November 30, 1972)

Scheinblum is notable in Kansas City Royals history mainly for being the last person to wear the number 5 prior to George Brett. He also was an All-Star in 1972, posting an admirable .300/.383/.418 batting line. After that season, the Royals sent him over to the Cincinnati Reds for Hal McRae. Scheinblum appeared in 22 games for the Reds before being sent to the California Angels, only to come back to Kansas City partway through the 1974 season.

McRae, meanwhile, spent fifteen years with the Royals, and was a key part of the Royals run through the mid 1970’s through the mid 1980’s. Despite not being a full time player in Cincinnati, he blossomed in such a role in Kansas City, producing a .293/.356/.458 batting line with 169 home runs and 105 stolen bases. McRae even served a stint as the Royals manager, guiding the team from 1991 through 1994.

A three time All-Star in Kansas City who finished as high as fourth in the MVP vote twice, Hal McRae twice led the American League in doubles and in RBIs once. His 1976 season was truly special, as he produced a .332/.407/.461 batting line, as he led the AL in on base percentage while finishing second in batting average and OPS+.

McRae was a key component of the Royals run of greatness. Not a bad return for a player who lasted only 22 games in Cincinnati and eventually came back to the Royals.