Oakland A’s: Three potential trade targets at second base
Second base has been an issue for the Oakland A’s for much of this season. Let’s look at some possible options that could be available.
Throughout much of the season, second base has been a black hole in the Oakland A’s lineup. The duo of Tony Kemp and Chad Pinder had not exactly lit the world on fire, while Franklin Barreto and Vimael Machin have essentially been invisible. While Kemp is currently on a hot streak, he is not exactly one who has a track record of sustained success.
As such, the A’s could look to solidify their second base situation prior to the trade deadline. Let’s take a look at some players that could be available.
Dee Gordon
The Seattle Mariners would likely pay anyone to take Dee Gordon off of their hands. But while he flamed out in the Pacific Northwest, he could be an option for the A’s.
He does check a few boxes for Oakland. Gordon would not be stuck just playing second, as he has experience at center, shortstop, and left as well. As a left handed hitter, he could work in a platoon role or as a super utility player.
Gordon also has excellent speed. A part of why the Mariners were interested in his services was that they were attempting to get more athletic. As he led the National League in steals three times from 2014 through 2017, he was a worthwhile gamble, even at a higher salary.
However, his time in Seattle is coming to an end. He has produced a mediocre .267/.292/.348 batting line in just over two years with the Mariners, stealing only 52 bases. But this could be a matter of simply needing a change of scenery. A trade, possibly to Oakland, could give him that hot month he would need for the offseason, as his option for 2021 is likely to be declined in exchange for his $1 million buyout.
The Mariners would likely pay, either in terms of a prospect or cash, to get Dee Gordon off their books this season. The Oakland A’s could be an interesting trade partner.
Jonathan Villar
Right now, the Miami Marlins are the biggest surprise in baseball; an essentially AAA squad that has managed to hold their own thus far.
But that is not likely to last. When the season crumbles, the Marlins are likely to be sellers when the deadline comes at the end of August. And when that happens, Jonathan Villar would be an interesting trade target for the Oakland A’s.
The speedster had resurrected his career with the Orioles in 2019, posting a .279/.339/.453 batting line in 714 plate appearances. Not only did he steal 40 bases, but Villar also hit a career best 24 homers. In a short sample size, Villar has not exactly continued that momentum, but he does have a homer and two steals thus far.
Villar also has some defensive versatility. He has primarily been used at short and second over his career, but also has experience at third and in the outfield. As a switch hitter, he would not need to be part of a platoon, as he has nearly identical batting lines against righties and lefties. This would free the A’s up to shuffle their lineup more, working to get as much of an advantage as possible.
Jonathan Villar has had flashes of being a solid infielder over his career. If he can get his bat going again, and the Marlins slide out of contention, he could be an option for the Oakland A’s.
Whit Merrifield
At this point, there are zero indications that the Royals will entertain any trade offers for Whit Merrifield. But if they do, the Oakland A’s have the pieces to make a deal happen.
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Not only has Merrifield been the best player on the Royals over the past few years, but he has quietly been one of the better players in the game. Since 2017, he has posted a .298/.347/.456 batting line, hitting 119 doubles and 51 homers while stealing 101 bases. He has led the league in hits and steals twice in that time frame, a true sparkplug for the offense.
Just like the others on the list, he is not tied to second base. Merrifield has essentially been another Ben Zobrist, spending time at all three outfield positions, with a few appearances at first and third, in his career. He has not exactly excelled in any of these positions defensively, but his bat more than makes up for those deficiencies.
The issue is that the Royals have not displayed a willingness to move Merrifield. He is signed through 2022, with a very affordable $10.5 million option for 2023. That salary is a major reason as to why the Royals refuse to part ways with Merrifield, but if a team offers enough in a trade…
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The Oakland A’s have the pieces to make an offer for Whit Merrifield. It is just a matter of whether or not the Royals want to listen.