White Cleat Beat
Fansided

Oakland A’s: Three potential trade targets for the pitching staff

By David Hill

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - AUGUST 29: Lance Lynn #42 of the Texas Rangers pitches against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the top of the first inning at Globe Life Field on August 29, 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 29: Lance Lynn #42 of the Texas Rangers pitches against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the top of the first inning at Globe Life Field on August 29, 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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
(Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images)
(Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images) /

Sonny Gray

The Cincinnati Reds have reportedly made Sonny Gray available on the trade block. If that is the case, the Oakland A’s should come calling.

A former first round pick by the A’s in the 2011 MLB Draft, Gray spent four and a half years with the A’s before being traded to the Yankees. That stint in New York was a disaster, as he was sent to Cincinnati. There, he resurrected his career, once again looking like a top of the rotation caliber arm.

That is the type of pitcher that the A’s need right now. That lack of an ace hurt in the postseason, especially when they were eliminated by the Astros. Signed for two more years at a total of $20.33 million, and with a $12 million option for 2023, Gray would be far more than a rental for Oakland.

That salary, as well as the Reds’ hopes to build a sustainable contender, likely mean that Gray will not be cheap to acquire. Likewise, there is no guarantee that he will even be available, as Cincinnati could just be doing their due diligence. But that does not mean that the A’s should ignore the possibility to upgrade their rotation.

Former Oakland A’s starter Sonny Gray may be on the trade block. If that is the case, a reunion may be in order.