The Bizarre Trade Of Mike Cisco: The Baseball Player Traded For Nothing

Baseball has seen its share of peculiar trades over the years, from players exchanged for catfish to others traded for a live turkey. One trade stands out for its sheer oddity: in 2013, pitcher Mike Cisco was traded from the Philadelphia Phillies to the Los Angeles Angels for absolutely nothing. Yes, you read that right—nothing .

A Promising Career Cut Short

Mike Cisco, the grandson of former MLB pitcher and coach Galen Cisco, was drafted by the Phillies in 2008. Throughout his time in the minors, Cisco showcased his talent, especially after transitioning from a starter to a reliever in 2011. His ERA of 1.70 over 137 1/3 innings in Double-A and Triple-A reflected his promising potential.

By the time Cisco reached Spring Training with the Phillies in 2012, he felt he had earned a spot closer to the majors. "I felt like I had proven myself not to return to Double-A," Cisco recalled. After discussions with the Phillies' management, they decided to trade him to the Angels, hoping he would find more opportunities there .

The Trade Announcement

The announcement of the trade was met with curiosity. Who had the Angels given up to acquire Cisco? It wasn't long before the news broke that the Phillies had received... nothing.

Not cash, not a player to be named later—nothing at all. Cisco himself found out through friends who sent him articles about the trade. This revelation left even Cisco in disbelief, yet he appreciated the Phillies' effort to help him find new opportunities .

Life After Baseball

Despite the trade, Cisco’s journey in baseball remained tumultuous. He started the season in Double-A and performed well enough to make the All-Star team, but the ups and downs of his career had taken a toll. By Spring Training 2013, Cisco decided it was time to move on from baseball.

"I felt like I needed to move forward at that point," he said. Cisco went on to work for his father's honey-baked ham company and eventually opened his own store in Summerville, South Carolina. Although he no longer plays professionally, Cisco reminisces fondly about his time in baseball, particularly enjoying the camaraderie of the team and the clubhouse environment .

A Unique Legacy

Being traded for nothing has carved out an unusual but memorable niche in baseball history for Cisco. Reflecting on this bizarre transaction, Cisco finds humor and pride in his unique legacy. "I'm proud of that. If I didn't get in the big league book playing, then at least I'm talked about still," he laughed .

While Mike Cisco may not have made it to the Major Leagues, his story remains a testament to baseball's unpredictable nature. Trades like his remind us that the sport is filled with unexpected twists and turns, and sometimes, the strangest stories leave the most lasting impressions.

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