The Oakland Athletics made two big trades, acquiring outfielder Willie McGee - the National League's second-leading hitter - from St. Louis and designated hitter Harold Baines from Texas.
McGee, 31, was batting .335 for the Cardinals. He was eligible for free agency at the end of the season and indicated he would not stay in St. Louis.The Cardinals received outfielder Felix Jose and a pair of minor leaguers for McGee, a four-time All-Star who won the NL Most Valuable Player award in 1985, hitting .353.
The Rangers will get two players to be named later for Baines, also 31 and a four-time All-Star. He hit .290 with 13 home runs and 44 RBIs in 103 games this season for Texas.