Athletics acquire Abraham Toro

Oakland make their first trade of the off-season Wednesday evening, acquiring infielder Abraham Toro from the Milwaukee Brewers for a minor league pitcher Chad Patrick.

This is a buy-low move for a rebuilding club desperate for hitting. The soon-to-be 27-year old Toro is just that. A former Astros top prospect, Toro spent pretty much all of 2023 in Triple-A for the Brewers, getting called up to the big leagues for just nine games. While down in the minors Toro did what he’s always done: draw plenty of walks while keeping the K’s down and providing a solid bat with a bit of pop.

Toro is also versatile in the field, being able to bounce between third base and the keystone. But he’s spent most of his recent time in the field at the hot corner and that’s where we can expect the A’s to try him. Last year’s incumbent third baseman Jordan Diaz didn’t wow anyone in his first full year in the big leagues and now has some legitimate competition for the job. Toro is out of minor league options which might give him a small leg up over Diaz, who can be sent to Triple-A next season without issue.

Oakland sent back to Milwaukee right-handed starter Chad Patrick. The 24-year old Patrick was the return piece for the mid-season trade of Jace Peterson to Arizona. Patrick just wrapped up his third pro season and even made it to Triple-A, though the results weren’t especially encouraging. Patrick’s short stay in the Oakland system now ends with him being shipped to Milwaukee, where he’ll be a depth piece for a Brewers team in need of cheap pitching depth.

Overall this trade is a win-win-win. Oakland gets another player who could provide some offense if given the chance, Toro gets an excellent opportunity to earn regular at bats in the majors, and the Brewers get some pitching depth. Not the biggest trade ever, but still a solid one all around. Welcome aboard, Toro!