Oakland Athletics: Which Team Will Land Sonny Gray?
By Joey Lopez
The Oakland Athletics are trying to acquire top talent in exchange for Sonny Gray. Their high demands have been well documented, but will anyone meet the A’s asking price? Our Crystal Ball returns and breaks down possible suitors for Sonny Gray’s services.
The Oakland Athletics are likely headed for a last-place finish once again in the AL West this year. The A’s are in the middle of a rebuild and their goal is to land several top tier prospects in return for their remaining veteran players before the trade deadline.
Sonny Gray remains the team’s biggest trade chip and there are at least a half dozen teams in the running for Gray’s services. The A’s, however, have made it well known that they are not going to accept anything less than the absolute best in exchange for Gray.
A’s VP of Baseball Operations, Billy Beane, has never fully committed to a rebuild, so it will be interesting to see what type of talent he actually lands for Gray. The A’s ace has been heavily scouted in the last month and figures to be the best available pitcher on the market.
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Among the teams actively looking to add Gray to their roster, here are the three likeliest teams to land Gray before the July 31st deadline.
- NEW YORK YANKEES – The Yankees have shown interest in both Gray and Yonder Alonso. The A’s are rumored to be targeting outfielders in any deal involving Gray. The Yankees know the A’s asking price for Gray and it is unknown whether they’ll meet Oakland’s demands. Still, many people around baseball see the Yankees as the front-runner to land Gray and possibly Alonso.
- LOS ANGELES DODGERS – The A’s have some history with the Dodgers’ front office. The A’s completed a deal with LA last year with the Reddick-Hill deal. In that deal, the A’s received a few prospects, including starter Jharel Cotton. Could the A’s swing a deal with the Dodgers, who have plenty of talent to part with?
- MILWAUKEE BREWERS – The Brewers have been one of the biggest surprise stories in baseball this year. Milwaukee has a balanced attack on offense and the pitching staff hasn’t been too shabby, either. Landing Gray would help the rotation and Milwaukee’s chances at capturing a playoff spot.
WHO LANDS GRAY?
The A’s choice to deal Gray will hinge on two things: talent and timing. Beane will not deal Gray if the price is not right. Don’t be surprised if the A’s decide to keep Gray around. Remember, the A’s don’t have to trade Gray this summer.
Keeping Gray, however, is risky business for the A’s. Gray’s injury history is definitely a cause for concern moving forward. Despite his recent hot-streak, Gray’s value would come crashing down if another injury were to pop-up.
So who lands Gray? Our Crystal Ball is pointing towards Los Angeles. The Dodgers are loaded with talent and could easily put together deal that satisfies the A’s. With the rebuild in full swing, the A’s would likely demand someone like Willie Calhoun in return for Gray.
What do you think? Who will land Sonny Gray? Sound off below in the comments section!