With the Oakland A’s well under .500 and out of playoff position, they will likely be sellers at the August 1 trade deadline. Still, despite a poor record record, the A’s have plenty of valuable assets.
The one that Billy Beane can expect to field the most phone calls on is 26-year-old right hander Sonny Gray.
“Every time Gray starts, he draws double-digit scouts from contenders,” per Nick Cafardo, Boston Globe. “In his start last Wednesday, Gray looked like his dominating self for five innings against Texas, and then he turned into a pumpkin in the sixth by giving up five runs. What happened? Where did the old Gray go? That’s what everybody is trying to figure out. And you can bet Beane won’t be taking any discounts as a result.”
Given all that he’s accomplished and his young age, the A’s refusing to take any discounts for Gray makes perfect sense. It would also reasonable for potential trade partners to devalue Gray this year and not give up too much in a trade.
Still, even if a deal can’t be reached on Gray, the Athletics have plenty of other options.
Cafardo also mentioned fellow starter Rich Hill, relievers Ryan Madson, Sean Doolittle, and John Axford, as well as hitters Coco Crisp, Jed Lowrie, and Stephen Vogt. Additionally, the Mets have reportedly expressed interest in third baseman Danny Valencia. It would also not be terribly surprising to see slugging outfielder Khris Davis moved.
Given all of those commodities, the A’s place in the standings and Beane’s history as an active executive, it seems likely that at least a few of those players will be moved to contenders.