Oakland Athletics Still Looking to Make Moves this Winter

On Sunday, Oakland Athletics’ VP of Baseball Operations, Billy Beane, joined MLB Network Radio to talk about anything and everything from Paul DePodesta being hired by the Cleveland Browns to the Oakland Athletics potential future moves. During this interview he made a few interesting statements. Some information was expected like the fact that the A’s have received some aggressive offers for Sonny Gray. Others were a little more surprising:

It is not so much the idea that the Athletics will be making moves since this team has a history of acquiring players between January and spring training. However, it is quite unexpected that the potential move will come in the form of a trade. 

The Oakland Athletics’ roster seems pretty set. Most positions are well covered and it does not seem likely that many of the players currently expected to be in the starting lineup are on the chopping block. Yes, some positions could use an upgrade, but would the A’s be willing to sacrifice a current starting player to improve a fielding position? Not unless they could acquire an elite all star ballplayer. Additionally, the A’s have repeatedly stated that they do not want to trade any of their top prospects since they are are building for the future. So who would the Athletics ultimately trade away?

There was talk earlier this season that Danny Valencia was drawing interest from some clubs. With his possible attitude problems, could this third baseman be on the trading block? If he does go, the Athletics could move Jed Lowrie to third and put Eric Sogard at second. Then there is always the potential of having Tyler Ladendorf or Joey Wendle fill the backup infielder role.

Additionally, it has been stated before that Oakland wants to have a lot of starting pitching depth after numerous starters went down with injuries during the 2015 season. The A’s have been able to successfully add more arms, and now have a surplus of starting pitchers. Perhaps they can trade some of those arms who are unlikely to make the starting rotation such as Sean Nolin or Aaron Brooks.

Next: Four Reasons the A's Should Release Billy Butler

The A’s always tend to make a surprising trade or acquisition between January and spring training. Just think about the trade that resulted in the acquisition of Ben Zobrist on January 10, 2015. This year should be no different. Whoever the Oakland Athletics decide to trade away, it will likely shake up the current roster.