Oakland Athletics: A’s Need To Move On From Santiago Casilla
By Joey Lopez
Santiago Casilla has recorded 13 saves this year, but has struggled throughout the season to stay consistent in the ninth inning. Should the A’s look to trade Casilla?
The Oakland Athletics spent some dough this past winter on acquiring reliever Santiago Casilla. Casilla, 36, returned to Oakland after spending seven years in San Francisco.
In his final season with the Giants, Casilla struggled. While he recorded 31 saves, Casilla also blew nine save opportunities. The A’s, however, found value in his production and wanted his presence in their bullpen.
The A’s have struggled so far this season and the front office has begun tearing apart the team’s veteran core. Stephen Vogt and Trevor Plouffe made their exits this month, but there are plenty of other moves likely still to take place.
Casilla has tallied 13 saves this season, but has botched three save opportunities in the process this year. He’s currently 1-2 with a 4.28 ERA in 27.1 innings of work.
He recorded two saves during Oakland’s sweep of the White Sox, but each of those came with an added element of drama. His late game dramatics have been a cause for concern throughout this season, but the A’s continue to trust their veteran closer.
Oakland Athletics
With he current youth movement in place, though, one has to wonder what type of future Casilla has with the team. The A’s signed Casilla to a two-year deal worth $11 million, but the team could try and ship him off to a contending club looking for relief help.
Finding a trade partner willing to take on Casilla’s contract as well as the inconsistencies on the mound may be difficult, but don’t discount the A’s creativity. Perhaps one selling point the A’s could use is the fact that Casilla has compiled a 3.38 ERA in June.
Bullpen Options
The A’s will likely be open to explore several other deals outside of Casilla. It’s likely the A’s will take a few calls regarding veteran reliever Ryan Madson.
In 29.1 innings of work, Madson has gone 1-4 with a 2.45 ERA. Madson has blown three of his own opportunities, but has otherwise been effective.
The A’s will likely look to cash in their veteran trade chips. Contenders are always seeking out help in the bullpen and Madson could be a solid option for many clubs.
Look for the A’s to continue to make noise leading up to the trade deadline. The veteran talent they have remaining will likely be cashed in for prospects.