Oakland A’s: 3 potential trade targets for playoff push
The Oakland A’s find themselves in a somewhat difficult spot. They clearly have the talent and the potential to be able to reach the postseason, perhaps even taking the AL West crown for the second consecutive season. That was certainly the goal heading into the year, and although they have fallen behind Houston in the division, it is still within reach.
However, the A’s also have a flawed roster. Shortstop has been a sore spot all season, and it is clear that they need help at second base as well. Jed Lowrie has been solid for much of the season, but is clearly wearing down. Having another option to give him time off could make a difference down the stretch.
Potential trade targets for Oakland A’s
The A’s could also use help in the bullpen. While the back of the bullpen has been solid, they have also been overworked this season due to issues with the rest of the relief corps. Adding another middle reliever or two could make a difference down the stretch and into the postseason.
This does not mean that the A’s will be breaking the bank. There are concerns with their budget when it comes to any additions, as they will likely be scouring the bargain bin. Likewise, the farm system does not have the type of prospects needed to bring in top talent. Nonetheless, the A’s can still find upgrades before the trade deadline.
Let us take a look at three possible trade targets for the Oakland A’s.
Freddy Galvis
Infield depth is a concern for the Oakland A’s. Freddy Galvis may not be close to being a star, but he could help.
Galvis is no stranger to being dealt at the trade deadline, as he had been acquired by the Reds to shore up the infield in 2019. Although he has spent most of his time at shortstop, Galvis has saved nine runs defensively in his 142 games at second, and can even fill in at third if needed.
He could also provide a decent amount of pop off the bench or in a backup role. Galvis has produced a .249/.306/.414 batting line in his 274 plate appearances heading into Sunday, hitting nine homers and 12 doubles. He had reached the double digit plateau in homers from 2016 through 2019, and could add another dimension to the A’s lineup.
Any financial concerns would not matter. He is only making $1.5 million for the 2021 season, with the A’s capable of affording the rest of his salary down the stretch. With the Orioles clearly out of contention, and looking to add pieces for the future, he will be available.
Freddy Galvis may not be an exciting player. But he would fit the Oakland A’s need for depth in the middle of their infield.
Darren O’Day
Although Darren O’Day is not going to be an option for higher leverage innings at this stage of his career, he could easily help the Oakland A’s bullpen.
A battle tested sidearmer, O’Day is the type of pitcher that fits perfectly in the middle of a bullpen. His funky delivery, coupled with his impressive command and fastball/slider combo, make him a nightmare for right handed hitters.
Although he did not spend all season in the majors, he has been a solid piece in the Yankees’ bullpen when called upon. He had allowed just three runs on eight hits and two walks over his ten innings, striking out ten batters. That type of performance would certainly help in the middle of the A’s relief corps.
O’Day is also not likely to cost much in regards to prospects. The 38 year old is on a one year deal, brought in as a solid veteran to fill out a remade bullpen. He has lived up to his end of the bargain, and could prove to be a useful piece for a team looking for an under the radar upgrade.
Even with their limitations, the Oakland A’s should be able to find pieces to help the bullpen. Darren O’Day would be one such option.
Just as with Darren O’Day, Dan Winkler is not the type of pitcher that will generate headlines. However, he is the type of reliever that the Oakland A’s could use.
With just two career saves over parts of seven seasons in the majors, Winkler is another arm who would not be a threat for the later innings. However, as a ground ball specialist, he serves a very specific role in the bullpen, and could be just the piece needed to get out of those jams in the middle innings.
Winkler has been kept busy by the Cubs this season, appearing in 31 games. Over his 29.1 innings, he has posted a stellar 1.23 ERA and a 1.125 WHiP, striking out 31 batters with 16 walks. Those ground ball tendencies have helped him to keep the ball in the yard, as Winkler has allowed just one homer on the season.
The Cubs are not necessarily ready to sell, but that time may be coming. They had plummeted in the NL Central, falling from first to third, eight games behind the Brewers. While the focus will be on the bigger names on the roster, a reliever such as Winkler could be the type of addition the A’s need.
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The Oakland A’s need help in the middle of their bullpen. Dan Winkler is the type of arm that would be an upgrade without costing much.