Oakland Athletics Rumors: Five Players Who Should Be Shopped

Jun 21, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics pitcher Scott Kazmir (26) prepares to deliver a pitch against the Los Angeles Angels in the second inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Even though the Oakland Athletics have been more successful lately, their first two months of the 2015 season really hurt them. They are currently 11 games back from the American League West leaders the Houston Astros, they are nine games under .500, and there are still some lingering problems that the Athletics have yet to resolve. Even if Oakland tries to battle back, the possibility of them making the post season is slim.

With the trade deadline approaching, Oakland should start shopping their players in order to rebuild and add depth to their farm system in the hope of making a World Series push in the next couple of year. They have a handful of talented players on the roster that are highly desired by numerous teams. This month, the A’s have the opportunity to make some major trades and better the team for the years to come.

Next: Scott Kazmir

Scott Kazmir

Mar 12, 2015; Mesa, AZ, USA; Oakland Athletics pitcher Scott Kazmir (26) on the mound during a spring training game against the Seattle Mariners at HoHoKam Stadium. The A

The Scott Kazmir rumors have been non-stop ever since it was predicted that the Athletics would be sellers come the trade deadline. Kazmir has been extremely successful this season even though his current 4-5 record does not reflect it. He has a 2.79 ERA with 85 strikeouts in 90.1 innings pitched.

Kazmir is in the last year of his contract with the A’s before free agency. Even though Kazmir expresses a desire to stay with Oakland, it is unlikely that they will shell out the money and be able afford him for next season. Additionally, the Athletics have enough replacements for the rotation if they do decide to trade him.

Currently, Drew Pomeranz could rejoin the starting rotation or rookie starter Chris Bassitt, who is also available. Bassitt had a strong outing on Tuesday when he was spot starter for Sonny Gray while Gray was in the hospital. If the Athletics come to the realization that they will not be able to make a playoffs push this year, it would make sense to trade Kazmir since they would get the most in return for this veteran starter.

Next: Ben Zobrist

Ben Zobrist

Jun 30, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics second baseman Ben Zobrist (18) hits a single against the Colorado Rockies during the fourth inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Like Kazmir, Ben Zobrist will be a free agent next year. This utility man is highly wanted by numerous teams and the Athletics will probably lose out on resigning him since bigger market teams will likely offer Zobrist more money. Because a handful of teams in the MLB would like Zobrist on their roster now, Oakland could receive some top prospects for this infield veteran.

Despite undergoing knee surgery earlier this season, Zobrist has bounced back surprisingly well. In June, Zobrist has an .879 OPS with seven doubles and four homers. Additionally, his athleticism has not been effected by his knee issues and he is still a very versatile player, which is an appealing factor for many teams.

However, Zobrist should only be shopped if it is guaranteed that the Athletics will be acquiring a quality middle infielder before the trade deadline. Oakland’s success will undoubtedly decline if they have to rely on just Marcus Semien, Eric Sogard, and Andy Parrino in the middle infield. Unfortunately, there are not many available middle infielders to acquire.

Next: Drew Pomeranz

Tyler Clippard

Jun 21, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics pitcher Tyler Clippard (36) prepares to deliver a pitch against the Los Angeles Angels in the eighth inning at O.co Coliseum. The Athletics defeated the Angels 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

This must be prefaced with the fact that Oakland should not actually trade Tyler Clippard unless another strong closer or reliever has been acquired. With Sean Doolittle not even throwing yet and the bullpen continuing to struggle, it would be a huge blow to the team to lose Clippard without a quality replacement. However, if the A’s are able to trade Kazmir or Zobrist for a solid closer such as Jonathan Papelbon or Francisco Rodriguez, both who are rumored to be on the trading block, then it would make sense to shop Clippard.

Again, like Kazmir and Zobrist, Clippard is in the last year of his contract before free agency. Despite Oakland’s bullpen issues this year, Clippard has stepped up and taken on the closer role successfully. He currently has 14 saves this season with a 2.67 ERA.

Even though he has not been great compared to his statistics from previous seasons, it must be noted that Clippard is not pitching in his normal role, but has handled the pressure of a closer as well as could be expected. Typically a setup man, Clippard would be great for any team who will likely be making a push for the postseason. He would strengthen any bullpen and would provide great support as the eighth inning setup man.

Next: Billy Butler

Billy Butler

Jun 30, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics designated hitter Billy Butler (16) hits an RBI single against the Colorado Rockies during the eighth inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Billy Butler will be hard to shop because of his high price tag. The A’s agreed to a three year, $30 million dollar contract with Butler in hopes that he would be a strong bat in the lineup as the DH. For a team that typically does not have an appointed designated hitter, this signing was definitely a head scratcher.

Unfortunately, Butler has been a huge disappointment so far this season. He has not produced offensively and is not great defensively when fielding at first base. It is clear that he is on a slow decline after eight years in the majors. Country Breakfast is a lovable character, but just not right for the Oakland Athletics.

The A’s may not be able to get much in return for Butler. But, if they can receive at least one player that would add quality depth to their farm system, then it may be worth it. Since the A’s do not need a specific player to be the DH and have much stronger batters in the lineup already, it is time to start shopping Butler to other teams.

Next: Oakland Athletics' Top Four Draft Picks Challenge Current Prospects