/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71187017/1406275215.0.jpg)
It’s a Freaky Friday, Athletics Nation.
Trade negotiations are reaching a frenzied pitch as Tuesday’s deadline approaches, and the rebuilding A’s are in the mood to sell. General manager David Forst characterized the organization as “very busy” with discussions on possible deals. Matt Kawahara at the San Francisco Chronicle offered a fresh assessment of some of the A’s most likely moves in the coming days.
Kawahara noted that while the team focused on payroll-cutting during the offseason, the current focus will likely be more purely on acquiring prospects that might help the A’s contend in the future. Here are some of the A’s top trade candidates per Kawahara; parenthetical figures represent each player’s median trade valuation per baseballtradevalues.com.
Frankie Montas (27.1) has been surrounded by more trade buzz than any other Athletic, though his recent IL stint due to shoulder inflammation could be a concern for potential suitors. Nevertheless, as one of the best starting pitchers on the market, Montas could still command a haul. Likely suitors could be the Blue Jays, Twins, Cardinals, Yankees, and White Sox.
Ramón Laureano (45.5) was a gold glove candidate as a center fielder in 2020 and has a high ceiling as a hitter, though his career so far has been marked by inconsistency and marred by an 80-game PED suspension levied against him last year. But his barrel rate has been high recently and he’s homered 8 times in the past 24 games. He also has multiple years of team control. With a dearth of center fielders presently on the market, Laureano could potentially command solid offers from the likes of the Brewers, Phillies, or Rays.
Sean Murphy (59.1) is probably the A’s most valuable trade chip, and he has three years of team control after this season, so Forst and Company can hold out for a high price and keep Murphy on the team if offers aren’t satisfactory. The 2021 Gold Glove catcher has a ton of power at the plate, and though his bat hasn’t been spectacular overall in 2022, he’s been on a tear in July, hitting .333 with a .976 OPS. The A’s minor league system is stacked at the backstop position, which could also factor into a decision to trade. Kawahara mentions the Guardians, Mets, Rays, and Giants as potential partners in a deal for Murphy.
Lou Trivino (-0.3) is not the most obvious lure to dangle ahead of the deadline. He’s struggled a lot in recent years and has a terrible 6.68 ERA so far this season. But his .456 BABIP suggests he’s had some bad luck, and his stuff can play well when he finds his command. His FIP is at 3.99 on the season—that’s not much higher than the mark of 3.69 that accompanied a 2.92 ERA in his terrific 2018 rookie campaign. Perhaps a change of scenery is just what the doctor ordered.
Kawahara also mentions Cole Irvin, Sam Moll, and A.J. Puk as arms that could attract offers in the days ahead. So who should stay and who should go, AN? Anyone and everyone if the price is right? Sound off below.
A’s Coverage:
- Kawahara: From Frankie Montas to Sean Murphy and more, A’s hold trade-deadline chips ($)
- Gallegos: This A’s rookie checked off another goal
- Razo: Report: A’s drawing trade interest on catcher Murphy
- Dierberger: Watch Steph hilariously clank free throw in A’s clubhouse
MLB News & Interest:
- Adler: 2 phenoms pulling away in ROY poll
- Polishuk: NL West Notes: Ohtani, Padres, Walker, Rodon, Giants, Bard
- Heyman and Sherman: Angels entertaining possible Shohei Ohtani blockbuster
- Adams: Tigers Place Andrew Chafin On Restricted List
- Franco: Angels Reinstate David Fletcher
- Berman: What is PitchCom and why is Max Scherzer against it? ($)
- Franco: Latest On Mike Trout
- Today in Baseball History
Best of Twitter:
Welcome back, Daddy!
Seth Brown reinstated from paternity list, Sheldon Neuse optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas, per A's.
— Matt Kawahara (@matthewkawahara) July 28, 2022
Colby Thomas signed.
3rd-rder Colby Thomas signs with @Athletics for $750k (slot 95 value = $642,100). @MercerBaseball OF, 1.184 OPS & 17 HR in 42 G before shoulder injury, well above-average raw power, solid to plus arm & speed. @MLBDraft pic.twitter.com/GE9tr3jB6q
— Jim Callis (@jimcallisMLB) July 28, 2022
Jacob Watters, too.
4th-rder Jacob Watters signs with @Athletics for $491,750 (slot 124 value = $483,500). @WVUBaseball RHP, fastball sits at 96 mph as starter & reaches triple digits as reliever, power downer curveball, big arm talent. @MLBDraft pic.twitter.com/WjkFZUYfOJ
— Jim Callis (@jimcallisMLB) July 28, 2022
I RT’d, wish me luck!
RT this tweet for a chance to win my signed game used Memorial Day cleats. Winner will be chosen in 48 hours. Good luck! pic.twitter.com/2RHzLgblPe
— Tony Kemp (@tonykemp) July 28, 2022
Is Chappy finally back to his best self?
Chappy’s last 17 games: .387 BA, 7 HR, 17 RBI https://t.co/1Yzr5a6mPJ
— Ben Ross (@BenRossTweets) July 29, 2022
Scherzer isn’t warming up to PitchCom.
We, dummies with an excel sheet, wrote an algorithm that broke his complex system of signs repeatedly https://t.co/6wDrqD3TG6 https://t.co/T0IXZ2fDcH
— Eno Sarris (@enosarris) July 28, 2022
I would not miss this if I lived within 100 miles of the Coliseum.
Friday, 8/19 will be a concert of the ages at The Last Dive Bar! Come dressed as your favorite rock artist, group or rock genre as we celebrate Queen Firework night!
— Last Dive Bar (@lastdivebar) July 28, 2022
We’ll have special concert tees launching soon and plenty of fun for the entire show! Rock on peeps! pic.twitter.com/hsuqOaQzWl
Loading comments...