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Oakland A’s reportedly not pursuing Trevor Story

By David Hill

Jun 23, 2021; Seattle, Washington, USA; Colorado Rockies shortstop Trevor Story walks off the field after an at-bat during a game against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park. The Rockies won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 23, 2021; Seattle, Washington, USA; Colorado Rockies shortstop Trevor Story walks off the field after an at-bat during a game against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park. The Rockies won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-USA TODAY Sports /
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Trevor Story had always seemed to be a bit of a pipe dream for the Oakland A’s. While he would undoubtedly be an upgrade to the lineup, the A’s would be competing with several other teams for his services. The fit was there from a lineup standpoint, but the financial side and the prospect cost to bring him in did not line up.

The other shoe has apparently dropped when it comes to that pursuit. According to Jeff Passan, the A’s are not expected to pursue Story before the trade deadline, although they are still looking for an impact bat in the lineup.

Oakland A’s could not afford Trevor Story

Shortstop has been a need for the A’s since Marcus Semien departed for the Blue Jays. Elvis Andrus was supposed to bridge the gap, but he has not produced as the A’s had hoped. Even his surge since the beginning of May has not matched Story’s production in what could be considered a disappointing year.

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The fit in the lineup was never the question. It was a matter of whether or not the A’s would be able to afford to bring him on board. Andrus came to the A’s as part of a mutual salary dump, as Oakland jettisoned Khris Davis while giving up a pair of prospects to free up some money. That difference in salary, and some change under the couch cushions, allowed them to augment the roster.

The A’s also do not have the type of prospects that would be able to compete for the likes of Story. Not only are they unlikely to want to part with Soderstrom, but the A’s do not have any other impact prospects. Oakland would need to hope for a quantity over quality trade.

Depending on the trade target, that approach could work. For someone such as Story, a superstar whose services will be highly sought after once he comes available, there will be better systems to choose from. Those factors made such a move unlikely in the first place.

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The Oakland A’s are not expected to pursue Trevor Story. He fits a need in the lineup, but the cost to bring him in would be prohibitive.