Oakland Athletics Rumors: Sonny Gray Done In Oakland?
In Wednesday’s win over the Tampa Bay Rays, Sonny Gray improved to 6-4 on the season and captured his third-straight win.
The Oakland Athletics have announced plans to start a major rebuilding effort. It has become increasingly clear that Billy Beane and David Forst are willing to deal their last remaining assets in order to secure a brighter future.
With their sights set on the future, Beane will likely part ways with starting pitcher Sonny Gray this month before the deadline. The A’s ace has been closely watched and scouted by rival teams throughout the league this month.
Luckily for the A’s, Gray has rebounded quite nicely this year after suffering through a miserable 2016 campaign. Gray’s value has gone up over the last few weeks thanks to his recent hot streak.
In two starts this month, Gray is 2-0 with a 1.50 ERA. On the year, Gray is 6-4 with a 3.66 ERA over 14 starts. Last year, Gray struggled to stay healthy and posted a career-worst 5.69 ERA.
With the deadline at the end of the month, Beane will be forced to address Gray’s future with Oakland. Beane could keep Gray throughout the remainder of the season and pull off a trade in the offseason. It’s more likely, however, that the A’s will trade Gray this month.
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There are plenty of teams looking at Gray, but the three most likely landing spots are New York, Milwaukee and Houston.
NEW YORK
The A’s have both Yonder Alonso and Sonny Gray as possible trade chips that could land in New York. The Yankees have reportedly expressed interest in both Alonso and Gray this month and a deal involving Alonso and Gray could make sense for Oakland.
Both players currently fall outside of Oakland’s projected rebuild. Alonso, the A’s lone All-Star, could help boost the Yankees’ lineup while Gray would solidify the team’s rotation. In return, the A’s would likely demand New York’s finest prospects. Beane is looking to acquire the best talent in return for Gray.
Like every team scouting Gray, there are plenty of positives surrounding the right-hander. He’s relatively young at 27 and is controllable until 2019. He has playoff experience and has had plenty of big moments over the course of his young career.
MILWAUKEE
The Brewers are said to be in on Gray, but can they strike a deal with Beane? Gray could help anchor Milwaukee’s rotation and ultimately lead the team to a division crown. The Brewers have shocked everyone this season with their improved play and fending off the Cubs would be the biggest surprise this year.
Like the scenario with New York, any deal involving Gray would require top talent in return for his services. The A’s need to be creative with their approach in dealing Gray. You get one crack at rebuilding, so acquiring top talent is crucial if the A’s want to secure a brighter future.
HOUSTON
The A’s and Astros have completed a few deals over the years. The A’s acquired Jed Lowrie twice from the Astros, so Beane has plenty of history with the club. Would he be willing to deal his ace to a division rival?
I think so. The A’s could learn a thing or two from the Astros on how to effectively rebuild your franchise. The Astros are running away with the division, but adding Gray would essentially make them a lock to make the World Series.
The Astros have plenty of talent as well, but they need to demonstrate a willingness to part ways with their prospects. The A’s asking price is rumored to be sky-high with Gray, so Houston would really need to value Gray a lot in order to complete a deal.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Sonny Gray has been a true competitor throughout his career in Oakland. His start in Game Two of the 2013 ALDS remains one of the most impressive starts made by an A’s pitcher. It has become increasingly clear, however, that the A’s do not see Gray as part of their future. Gray deserves to pitch for a contender and the Astros seem like the team that will acquire Gray this month.
Rebuilding is tough business.