Five Oakland Athletics’ Offseason Targets: Left Field
Jun 25, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Gerardo Parra (28) makes a running catch of ball hit by New York Mets first baseman Lucas Duda (not pictured) in the first inning at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Gerardo Parra: 29 years old
Position: Outfielder
Bats: Left, Throws: Left
Height: 5’ 11”, Weight: 210 lb.
Much like De Aza, Parra brings a unique skill set to the table that isn’t necessarily recognized as much as it should be. However, he is younger and a much more refined outfielder both offensive and defensively, which is exactly why he might be difficult to persuade to come to Oakland this offseason. He’s coming off setting career-highs in games played (155), HR’s (14), and runs scored (83) while also playing the outfield at a gold glove caliber level – he already owns two. So from this information alone, I think it’s safe to say he’s the most talented player of this group, but could also still be affordable.
While it is true the A’s don’t like spending in free agency – unless its on pitching, or *choke* Billy Butler – based off the current market, like I mentioned earlier, his price could fall. In my eyes, Parra is right on the fringe of getting a big pay raise, so depending on what the likes of Cespedes, Gordon, and Upton get will determine the details of this still talented outfielder. One thing working in the A’s favor is that he has played in relatively small markets (Arizona, Milwaukee, & Baltimore) over his career, so maybe he wouldn’t mind staying in that kind of realm and consider Oakland as a destination.