Oakland A’s: Should Elvis Andrus be an offseason trade target?

The Oakland A’s may need to find a stopgap solution at short next year. Elvis Andrus may be worth taking a look at.

The Oakland A’s will have a tough decision to make during the offseason. Marcus Semien is due to enter free agency, and despite his struggles this season, could be outside of the A’s price range. Some team may take a gamble that he returns to the form he displayed in 2019, when he was an MVP candidate, giving Semien the type of payday that the A’s cannot match.

In theory, the A’s can always tender the Qualifying Offer to Semien. However, that price tag was $17.8 million last year, a salary that Oakland may not want to spend. It would be a tremendous gamble as well, albeit on just a one year commitment.

But there are other options. Free agency could be a place for the A’s to find someone to man the position for a couple of years. But a trade may be a better option, with a player such as Elvis Andrus potentially being an interesting target.

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Andrus has had an awful 2020 campaign. Heading into Staurday, he had produced a horrendous .180/.240/.270 batting line with just six extra base hits in his 96 plate appearances. His defense, once a calling card, has dissipated over the past few seasons. A part of that is on Andrus, as he admitted that he needs to start paying more attention to what statistics are saying instead of relying on his instincts.

The Rangers, meanwhile, are looking to cut payroll next year. Andrus is due a combined $28.5 million over the next two seasons and has a vesting option for 2023. With younger, and cheaper, options to play short, Texas could be looking to part ways with their incumbent shortstop, potentially picking up a part of his salary to do so.

Enter the A’s. While they would likely have zero interest in Andrus at his current salary, getting him at a discounted rate could work. He may not cost much in terms of prospects either, allowing the A’s to keep the top pieces for their future. And, if he is looking to embrace a more analytical approach to his game, Oakland would be a perfect place, potentially leading to a turnaround.

His contract would be a perfect fit as well. Robert Pauson is the top prospect in the organization, and is considered the future at short. However, he is just 17 years old and has yet to play a game stateside. Even the most optimistic projections would give Pauson two to three years before he reaches the majors.

The Oakland A’s may be looking for a shortstop this offseason, Elvis Andrus could be a solid stopgap before the Robert Pauson Era, provided the price is right.