Oakland A’s reportedly interested in Trevor Story
Shortstop has been a black hole for the Oakland A’s throughout the 2021 season. Even though Elvis Andrus has started to heat up over the past three weeks, the A’s have had the worst production from the position of any major league team this year. Andrus simply has not gotten it done throughout the season.
Given the A’s issues at short, it is not a surprise that this would be a position they could target at the trade deadline. According to Jon Morosi, they are expected to be amongst the teams that will check in on Trevor Story once he returns from the Injured List.
The #Athletics are among the clubs expected to monitor #Rockies shortstop Trevor Story (elbow) once he returns from the IL, as I said today on @MLBNetwork. Story, a trade candidate, has an expiring contract; Oakland has the worst OPS at shortstop of any @MLB team. #MLBCentral
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) June 4, 2021
Trevor Story makes sense for Oakland A’s
There should be a lot of interest in Story at the deadline. Several teams, including the A’s, could use an upgrade at short, which would make him a hot commodity. As he is in the final year of his contract, he would be a pure rental, although he is the type of player that could make a tremendous impact.
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Story has not produced at his accustomed level thus far in 2021. Prior to landing on the Injured List, he had produced a disappointing .255/.322/.424 batting line, hitting five homers and 12 doubles while stealing eight bases. However, that production is still far ahead of what the A’s have received this season at short.
There is a problem with attempting such a trade. Andrus is signed through 2022 and has a vesting option for 2023. While the Rangers are footing the bill for half of his salary next season, he would be an expensive bench player. In theory, he could be included in the trade so that the Rockies have a stopgap at short, but they may balk at his price tag as well.
With Nick Allen appearing as though he could be ready for 2022, the A’s may be willing to send some money to Colorado to move on from Andrus should they acquire Story. Or, the package of prospects could be improved a bit as an incentive to take on his salary. However, they will have a lot of competition for his services should they look to go that route.
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The Oakland A’s are expected to be involved in Trevor Story’s trade market. Given their hole at shortstop, such discussions should be expected.