The Oakland A’s heading into the trade deadline as a question mark. While there were numerous holes on the roster, it was uncertain that they would be able to make the major moves needed to drastically improve. Between a questionable farm system and payroll limitations, the A’s appeared to have limits as to how much they could add to the team.
Instead, the A’s have been a major surprise. They have added Andrew Chafin and Starling Marte, addressing needs in the bullpen and outfield respectively. And, according to general manager David Forst, they are not done.
Forst added the A's still have ongoing discussions heading toward the trade deadline.
— Jessica Kleinschmidt (@KleinschmidtJD) July 28, 2021
Oakland A’s looking to add more pieces before deadline
It is understandable that the A’s would like to add more talent to the roster. Shortstop is still a question mark as Elvis Andrus has underperformed. Likewise, the A’s could use another arm in the bullpen as they attempt to replicate their stellar relief corps from last season.
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The A’s are certainly in a good place to be able to do just that. They have not given up any of their top prospects, with Greg Deichmann, Daniel Palencia, and Jesus Luzardo having left the organization. The top pieces are still there for the A’s to be able to make additional moves, especially if they look to add a player with control beyond this season.
Likewise, this does not mean that the A’s have another groundshaking trade in them. They may well be considered the favorites for Trevor Story, but the Rockies’ shortstop is also atop the wish list of several teams. Oakland may still have all of their top prospects, but it comes back to a comfort level of what they can part with.
What is important is that the A’s are still in strong shape to make those moves. Their top prospects are still in place, and with the Marlins picking up the entirety of Marte’s salary, they may have some financial flexibility. Those additional moves could happen after all.
According to general manager David Forst, the Oakland A’s are not done. Considering the options left in the farm system, the A’s could keep adding.