Oakland A’s: 3 prospects that could be traded
Although the Oakland A’s hold a playoff spot, they are in trouble. The Seattle Mariners have pulled to within 1.5 games of the Wild Card, and are on the search for anything that can improve their roster. Seattle general manager Jerry Dipoto has not been shy about making any trade possible if he feels it will improve the roster for the long haul or to make the team more competitive.
The A’s also have holes on their roster. The bullpen could use some work, as the relief corps has struggled lately. Shortstop has been a concern all year, even with Elvis Andrus‘ latest run of competence. More depth in the outfield would be helpful, especially in right, as Stephen Piscotty has not set the world afire this year.
Three Oakland A’s prospects that could be traded
If the A’s are going to make those moves needed to improve the roster, they will need to raid their minor league system. It is expected that the A’s will at least make some minor moves, although they are also considered the favorites to land Trevor Story. If that was to happen, Story alone would likely cost a great deal of prospect capital.
The Oakland A’s are likely to make a deal or two at the deadline. Let’s take a look at those prospects that could be traded.
A.J. Puk
At this point, A.J. Puk would have to be considered damaged goods. However, leaving the Oakland A’s behind, and the high expectations that he once had, could be the best way to get him to live up to his potential.
When healthy, Puk has been solid. He has performed well in a relief role in his limited time in the majors, posting a 2.95 ERA and a 1.295 WHiP over his 14.2 innings, striking out 17 while issuing eight walks. With a four pitch arsenal, including a high octane fastball and wipeout slider, he could be a weapon out of the bullpen.
The problem is that Puk cannot stay healthy. He missed three full seasons due to a myriad of arm and shoulder woes that have left his future role in doubt, as he does not seem capable of holding up under a starter’s workload. Puk has also been disastrous in Triple-A this season, putting his future even further in doubt.
However, this is the perfect opportunity for a team to buy low. Puk still has the stuff to be an asset. It just does not seem as though he will be the pitcher the Oakland A’s had hoped for if he remains in the system. A fresh start would be for the best, and if that leads to the A’s being able to get a piece to help with a playoff push, so be it.
A.J. Puk does not have the same value he once did. However, his pedigree as a former top prospect and intriguing stuff could make him someone that a rebuilding team takes a chance on.
Logan Davidson
There has been a good deal of speculation that the Oakland A’s could trade Nick Allen, especially in a deal for Trevor Story. However, given how close Allen is to the majors, and the questions the A’s have in the middle of their infield, such a move may not be in their best interests.
The A’s also have a multitude of prospects at short. Given how close Allen is to the majors, it would be likely that the A’s would be far more willing to part with another of their multitude of shortstop prospects. Logan Davidson may be the most likely to be traded.
Davidson is a player whose raw tools have yet to manifest in game action. He has plenty of raw power, but has not been able to have that show when it matters. He has just eight homers and 21 doubles in his 551 minor league plate appearances, a low number for someone who has above average raw power. There are questions about his hit tool in general, and whether or not his defense will allow him to stay at short.
But it is worth noting that Davidson has just one full season of professional experience at this point in his career, and is currently in Double-A. There are going to be growing pains. His overall potential, and ability to play either short or second, would make him an interesting trade target.
The Oakland A’s have plenty of middle infielders. If they are to move on from any of them, Logan Davidson may be the one to go.
Daulton Jefferies
There was a time when Daulton Jefferies appeared to be the next man up for the Oakland A’s. However, injuries, as well as James Kaprielian‘s solid showing in the majors, have pushed him aside.
At this point, Jefferies is essentially major league ready. He is healthy once more, and while his 5.00 ERA in Triple-A is not exactly stellar, he has pitched better than that number would indicate. Jefferies also pitches in an extremely offense friendly environment, making his ERA somewhat less important.
For a team in need of help in the rotation, Jefferies would be someone that could plug in immediately. His excellent command helps his stuff play up, and his plus changeup makes the lack of velocity on his fastball less important. He also has a cutter and slider that flash above average, making him an intriguing pitcher.
The problem is that he seems to have missed his chance in Oakland. He was roughed up in his major league debut, and with other pitchers finding success in the majors, he is stuck in Triple-A. The A’s would also prefer to bring Jesus Luzardo back to Oakland before Jefferies, with the righty having fallen down the organizational depth chart.
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Daulton Jefferies is the type of pitcher that could help a major league rotation right now. He just does not have an opening with the Oakland A’s.