Oakland A’s acquire LHP Ryan Buchter and DH Brandon Moss from Royals

The stove is hot once more! The Oakland A’s made a trade on Monday, acquiring LHP Ryan Buchter and DH Brandon Moss from the Royals, the team announced. In exchange, Kansas City will receive pitchers Jesse Hahn and Heath Fillmyer.

The A’s found their left-handed reliever, via trade rather than free agency. Buchter had a pretty fantastic 2017, putting up an ERA of 2.89 in 71 appearances for the Padres and Royals. Oakland has been looking for a southpaw to fill out their pen for some time now, and Buchter gives them another option to get tough lefties out while showcasing the ability to mow down righties too.

Moss doesn’t have an obvious fit on the roster, but he does carry a notable salary of $7.25 million plus a $1 million buyout for a mutual option in 2019. The A’s will receive cash considerations from the Royals, to the tune of $3.25 million reports Susan Slusser of the S.F. Chronicle.

On the other side of the deal, the A’s gave up RHPs Jesse Hahn and Heath Fillmyer. Both pitchers showed promise, but neither figured to be part of the A’s 2018 plans. Hahn was out of options and not guaranteed a rotation spot, and Fillmyer hasn’t yet pitched at the Triple-A level.

Discuss! We’ll continue to update this post as any more details roll in.