Oakland A’s: What to do at second base

Second base remains a question mark for the Oakland A’s. What should they do at the trade deadline?

With the 2020 MLB Trade Deadline approaching, the Oakland A’s still face questions at second base. Tony Kemp and Chad Pinder have entered a platoon situation but have received minimal production. Entering Wednesday, they rank 22nd in the majors in OPS, having produced a minuscule .215/.323/.299 batting line. Quite simply, the A’s need more production from the position.

But that does not mean a trade is forthcoming. After all, the A’s are currently projected to stand pat at the trade deadline, which makes sense given that there are few holes on the roster. But something does need to be done at second.

Let’s take a look at the different scenarios for the Oakland A’s at the deadline.

Standing pat

Despite the limited production, the Oakland A’s are pleased with what Kemp brings to the table. He has emerged as a leader in the clubhouse, spearheading the A’s efforts to expand the conversation regarding race relations. On the diamond, he has done an excellent job at getting on base, with 12 walks in 74 plate appearances while playing solid defense.

Pinder, meanwhile, has not been the player he had been in the past, but can still be a viable source of power. He has hit two homers in his 44 plate appearances, and is still valuable as a utility player. Given his track record, it is entirely probable that he comes back to life over the final month of the season and helps give the A’s what they need as the right handed part of the second base platoon.

If the Oakland A’s do stand pat, it would be understandable. In fact, it may even be possible that they trade away a second baseman at the deadline.