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Oakland A’s trade for Mike Minor to bolster rotation

By David Hill|
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - AUGUST 28: Mike Minor #42 of the Texas Rangers pitches against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the top of the fifth inning at Globe Life Field on August 28, 2020 in Arlington, Texas. All players are wearing #42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day. The day honoring Jackie Robinson, traditionally held on April 15, was rescheduled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.” (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - AUGUST 28: Mike Minor #42 of the Texas Rangers pitches against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the top of the fifth inning at Globe Life Field on August 28, 2020 in Arlington, Texas. All players are wearing #42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day. The day honoring Jackie Robinson, traditionally held on April 15, was rescheduled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.” (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)

With several question marks in the rotation, the Oakland A’s have acquired Mike Minor from the Texas Rangers.

Heading into the season, the Oakland A’s rotation was expected to have a couple of question marks as rookies Jesus Luzardo and A.J. Puk were listed as the fourth and fifth starters. That was especially the case when Puk was injured and Chris Bassitt was slotted into his place.

As it turns out, the A’s have two question marks in the rotation. However, instead of those being Luzardo and Bassitt, Sean Manaea and Mike Fiers have struggled. With the A’s contending for the best record in the American League, a move to shore up the rotation made sense.

The A’s have done just that. According to Jeff Passan, the A’s have acquired Mike Minor from the Texas Rangers for two players to be named later.

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Minor is a pure rental for the A’s as he is set to be a free agent following the season. Nonetheless, this trade is a bit of a leap of faith. He has struggled thus far in 2020, posting a 0-5 record with a 5.60 ERA and a 1.358 WHiP in 35.1 innings, striking out 35 batters with 13 walks.

Just last season, Minor was one of the better pitchers in the American League. He was named to his first All Star Game and even received votes for the AL Cy Young award. He posted a 14-10 record with a 3.59 ERA and a 1.238 WHiP in his 208.1 innings, striking out 200 batters with 68 walks. That season was the high point of a resurgence that had begun in 2017.

If the A’s are able to get something approaching the 2018-2019 version of Minor, then he could be exactly what the A’s need – another veteran arm that can slot into the middle of their rotation. However, that is the question – will Minor be able to return to form in Oakland and be the pitcher they need?

The Oakland A’s have made a move to upgrade the rotation with Mike Minor. If he can return to form, he could be just what they needed.

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