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On December 30, 1943, the Philadelphia Phillies trade first baseman Babe Dahlgren to the Pittsburgh Pirates for catcher Babe Phelps and cash. Dahlgren will drive in a career-high 101 runs for the Pirates in 1944. A former New York Yankee first baseman, Dahlgren had gained most of his notoriety after replacing Lou Gehrig when the “Iron Horse’s” playing streak ended in 1939…

On January 8, 1913, the New York Highlanders sign Frank Chance to a three-year contract to be their next manager. Chance, nicknamed "The Peerless Leader," previously won two World Series and four pennants as the manager of the Chicago Cubs.

On December 30, 1925, the New York Giants trade pitcher Wayland Dean and pitcher-first baseman Jack Bentley to the Philadelphia Phillies for pitcher Jimmy Ring. Bentley will return to the Giants during the 1926 season.

On December 31, 1914, Colonel Jacob Ruppert and Captain Tillinghast L’Hommedieu buy the New York Yankees for nearly $500,000 from Bill Devery and Frank Farrell. Under the new regime, the Yankees will make the most important trade in franchise history when they purchase Babe Ruth from the Boston Red Sox.

On January 10, 1928, the New York Giants trade Rogers Hornsby to the Boston Braves for catcher Shanty Hogan and outfielder Jimmy Welsh. Hornsby will lead the NL with a .387 batting average in 1928.

On December 31, 1974, the New York Yankees announce the signing of free agent pitcher Jim “Catfish” Hunter. The former Oakland A’s ace signs a five-year contract worth an estimated $3.75 million. Hunter had been declared a free agent only 18 days earlier, after Oakland owner Charlie Finley had failed to make an insurance payment. n independent arbitrator ruled that Finley had violated the contract, making Hunter a free agent. In 1974, Hunter won 25 games, forged a league-leading 2.49 era and won the Cy Young Award in helping the A’s to their third consecutive World Series title. In 1975, Hunter will win 23 games for the Yankees and will help New York to a pair of World Championships in 1977 and ’78. He will win election to the Hall of Fame in 1987.

On January 10, 1918, the Philadelphia A’s trade first baseman Stuffy McInnis, the last remaining player from their famed $100,000 infield, to the Boston Red Sox for three players to be named later. The A’s will later receive third baseman Larry Gardner, outfielder Clarence Walker, and catcher Hick Cady in return for McInnis.

On January 2, 1918, the Pittsburgh Pirates acquire outfielder Casey Stengel and infielder George Cutshaw from the Brooklyn Robins for future Hall of Fame pitcher Burleigh Grimes and two other players. Stengel will play only two seasons with the Pirates before moving on to Philadelphia, but will eventually enjoy a Hall of Fame career as a manager. Grimes will win 158 games during a nine-year stint with Brooklyn.

On January 10, 1913, the Cincinnati Reds purchase pitcher Mordecai “Three Finger” Brown from the Chicago Cubs. The future Hall of Famer, who pitched in only 15 games in 1912, will log a record of 11-12 with a 2.91 ERA for the Reds in 1913.

On January 2, 1915, the St. Louis Cardinals file suit against star outfielder Lee Magee in an effort to prevent him from signing with the Brooklyn Tip-Tops of the Federal League. The suit will fail, clearing the way for Magee to play and manage in the rival league.