Oakland A’s: 3 trade targets for the outfield
The Oakland A’s outfield is finally healthy once again. The trio of Mark Canha, Ramon Laureano, and Stephen Piscotty are all back, giving the A’s their Opening Day outfield to start the second half. With Tony Kemp playing beyond expectations, and Seth Brown continuing to show tremendous power, outfield should not be a position of need.
But that is not the case. Piscotty has struggled again this season, producing a disappointing 72 OPS+ with five homers and seven doubles in his 163 plate appearances. Canha, while he has been the A’s primary left fielder, appears all over the outfield, making his position far less important. Kemp, likewise, is a utility player, getting time in the outfield and at second base.
Three trade targets for Oakland A’s in outfield
That does not change the fact that the A’s could stand an upgrade in the outfield. Such a move may be difficult, given that there are financial concerns this season. Likewise, Piscotty is due just over $7.5 million next year, and has a $15 million team option for 2023 with a $1 million buyout. While it is difficult to imagine a scenario where that option is picked up, his salary going forward could limit the A’s options.
The Oakland A’s could stand an upgrade in the outfield. Let us take a look at some cost effective options.
David Peralta
David Peralta has not performed to his usual standards, but he could be a viable option for the Oakland A’s.
Signed through the 2022 season, he is slated to make $7.5 million next year, a number comparable to Piscotty. It would potentially be worth the A’s time to include a better prospect in a deal for Peralta if they can include Piscotty’s contract, especially for the improved production and slight savings in terms of the coming year.
While Peralta has not performed up to his normal standards, he has easily outperformed Piscotty this season. He has produced a .253/.324/.391 batting line in his 336 plate appearances, hitting 18 doubles, four homers, and a major league leading six triples.
Peralta also has a degree of defensive versatility. While he has primarily appeared in left over the past few seasons, he does have 176 games of experience in right. It is not far fetched to imagine him getting playing time at both corner outfield spots for the A’s if he was to be acquired.
Although David Peralta has struggled this season, he would still be an upgrade for the Oakland A’s. He could even help the A’s move on from Stephen Piscotty’s contract.
Robbie Grossman
Robbie Grossman was a perfect fit for the Oakland A’s lineup. The changes the team made to his swing before the 2020 season had unlocked his potential, and even though he was a free agent, he was not likely to cost much.
However, the A’s inability to enter the free agent market at all until February led to Grossman getting away. He signed in Detroit on a two year deal worth $10 million, a completely reasonable contract for a player that had produced a career best 129 OPS+ with eight homers and 12 doubles in his 192 plate appearances.
With the Tigers continuing their rebuild, it is unlikely that Grossman will be a part of their next contending team. However, he has proven to be an asset for the Tigers’ outfield, putting together a solid .227/.352/.401 batting line with 13 homers and 12 doubles while drawing 60 walks in his 388 plate appearances.
Although the batting average is disappointing, Grossman has been able to get on base at an impressive clip. His solid defense in both left and right field this season would fit in well with the A’s, while his offense would improve their primary lineup.
The Oakland A’s made a mistake in letting Robbie Grossman leave. Maybe they can correct that error at the trade deadline.
Adam Duvall
The Oakland A’s lineup has been too dependent upon the home run at times. However, if another power bat can be had for the right price, it would make sense to bring them on board.
Such is the case with Miami Marlins outfielder Adam Duvall. He has been one of the better power hitters in the game over the past three seasons when he has played, but his batting average and on base percentage have generally suffered. Nonetheless, he is a potentially dangerous power hitter, someone who can change a game with one swing of the bat.
Duvall’s 2021 season has been much of the same as it comes to his career. He has posted a .229/.276/.476 batting line in his 297 plate appearances this season, drawing 18 walks and striking out 91 times. However, he has hit 19 homers while saving nine runs in right this season, making him an interesting fit for the A’s lineup.
The Marlins are clearly in rebuilding mode, with the promise from last season’s improbable postseason journey in the rearview mirror. A player such as Duvall, who is on a one year contract with a mutual option for 2022, was not going to be a part of their future.
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The Oakland A’s could use another power bat in the lineup. While Adam Duvall may not be the most consistent hitter, he could be a solid piece for the A’s.