The cuts are coming. It is just a matter of when the Oakland A’s will pull the trigger.
Some of those have already happened. The A’s declined their option on Jake Diekman, letting him loose in free agency. Bob Melvin was allowed to leave without any compensation coming back. None of their significant free agents will be back. Ownership had already begun crying poverty before the offseason began. It is going to be a long countdown to Opening Day.
Three Oakland A’s players most likely to be traded
Trade rumors are already starting. There is plenty of speculation that Matt Olson will be heading to the Yankees, although there have yet to be any rumors of talks between the teams. The A’s pitching staff would be able to help plenty of teams as well, allowing them to inject talent into their farm system. But the A’s have to determine their direction first.
Let’s take a look at three players that could be dealt by the Oakland A’s this offseason.
Matt Olson
As the Oakland A’s look to pare down their payroll, they are going to have to make some difficult decisions. Matt Olson may be the hardest cut they have to make.
Olson emerged as a star last season, posting a career best .271/.371/.540 batting line with 39 homers and 35 doubles, driving in 100 runs for the first time. He made his first All Star Game and is a Gold Glove finalist. With two more years of team control left, he would seemingly be someone for the A’s to continue to build around.
The problem is that Olson is about to get very expensive. He made $5 million last season and should see a significant boost in salary this offseason. With the A’s quest to cut expenses, that expected salary increase is likely his ticket out the door.
There would be a robust market for Olson. The aforementioned Yankees are in need of a first baseman, as are other teams that are hoping to compete. Bringing in a player with that type of power and defense could make a major impact upon the middle of the batting order.
Matt Olson is one of the best players on the Oakland A’s. He may also become one of the most expensive if he is not traded.