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How a Trevor Story trade could work for Oakland A’s

By David Hill

Jun 12, 2021; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Colorado Rockies shortstop Trevor Story (27) calls for the ball before a catch in the outfield during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 12, 2021; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Colorado Rockies shortstop Trevor Story (27) calls for the ball before a catch in the outfield during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports /
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It is not a surprise that the Oakland A’s have emerged as one of the top landing spots for Trevor Story. The A’s have not gotten much production out of their shortstop position this season, even with Elvis Andrus having begun to heat up. There is a clear need for an upgrade in Oakland, with some even thinking that Story would be the piece to bring the A’s to the World Series.

Given that lack of production from the position, it is not a surprise that the A’s would be monitoring Story. However, there are going to be plenty of contending teams doing the same, potentially driving up his price tag.

How the Oakland A’s can get Trevor Story

The A’s have several disadvantages when it comes to a potential trade. First, with Story still making over $5 million over the final two months, and Andrus being signed through 2022, the A’s incumbent shortstop would likely need to be included in any deal. That would likely involve paying a portion of his salary for next season, even though the Rangers are picking up half of that price tag.

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The second problem is that the A’s farm system is not what it once was. Tyler Soderstrom is the only top 100 prospect in their system, which will not be enough to battle with some of the other teams that could have interest in Story. But that does not mean that they will be unable to make such a deal.

It is a given that the Rockies need pitching; this is a constant state of affairs for the franchise. The A’s have several major league ready pitchers in Triple-A, but do not have the room on the roster for them. If Colorado is looking to overhaul their rotation quickly, the likes of Daulton Jefferies and Grant Holmes could be of interest.

Oakland would likely need to give up more of their top prospects as well. Most of these players are flawed to a degree, but the likes of Robert Puason and A.J. Puk have plenty of potential. This does not mean that any of them would be of interest to the Rockies, but if the A’s are to pursue Story, they would need to part with at least one major league ready arm, a top prospect, and several other pieces.

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The Oakland A’s are expected to pursue Trevor Story once he comes available. However, that pursuit may be a longshot based on their assets.