Oakland Athletics Roundup: A’s Sign LHP Rich Hill; Jesse Chavez Trade Talks; Plus, Could a Josh Reddick Extension Happen?
Oakland Athletics Roundup: Wednesday, November 18
On Tuesday, the Oakland Athletics signed left-hander Rich Hill to a one-year, $6 million deal that includes a guaranteed rotation spot. Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports reported the terms of the deal via Twitter, adding that Hill had received better offers, but chose the A’s because they were willing to promise him a place in the rotation.
There are varying opinions on the deal – one not-so-positive perspective can be found in the In Case You Missed It section below, while David Cameron of Fangraphs shared his much more optimistic thoughts via tweet in the #Athletics roundup below. But regardless of whether this signing works out or not, one issue that will need to be dealt with is the roster. The A’s will need a 40-man spot for Hill, and one possible option is to trade pitcher Jesse Chavez.
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Chavez is dispensable now that Hill is in the rotation, and Passan reported that the A’s have received plenty of inquiries about him. Although Chavez was a valuable part of the A’s rotation in the first half of last season, he declined after the break and then spent time on the disabled list. If another team is interested in him, the Athletics would be smart to deal him now. It’s possible that they could keep him and simply move him to the bullpen, but this signing will force the A’s to either make a trade now, or designated someone else for assignment. It will be interesting to see which direction they go in.
In Case You Missed It:
A’s Are Taking a Big Risk With Rich Hill Deal – Katrina Putnam argues that the problem with the Rich Hill signing is not the price or his presence. The problem is that his track record is far too inconsistent to guarantee him a spot in the Athletics’ rotation.
What Would a Contract Extension for Josh Reddick Look Like? – Josh Reddick might be the most valuable player on the A’s roster, outside of Sonny Gray. Samantha Riley examines what would have to happen in order make a contract extension for the Athletics’ right-fielder a reality.
#Athletics
One executive involved in bidding for Rich Hill said earlier tonight that he believes Athletics are one of the favorites at this point.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) November 18, 2015
Rich Hill had a big market, and one team said it had a bigger-money offer on table than Oakland's. Hill liked A's guaranteed rotation spot.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 18, 2015
Sources: Multiple teams have showed significant trade interest in Jesse Chavez. A's could move him after agreeing to terms with Rich Hill.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 18, 2015
My Rich Hill conclusion from earlier today. A’s are the definition of a team that needs to buy upside on the cheap. pic.twitter.com/5hkSielir3
— Dave Cameron (@OneDaveCameron) November 18, 2015
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