3 potential trade destinations for Ramon Laureano
By David Hill
The Oakland A’s are in an interesting spot when it comes to the trade market. There are plenty of teams in need of a centerfielder, yet with Starling Marte off the market, there are not any attractive options in free agency. As the A’s are going to undertake another rebuilding project, this should make Ramon Laureano an intriguing trade chip.
To this point, there has been little buzz about Laureano. It is understandable to a degree – he still has approximately three weeks left in his 80 game PED suspension from last season. However, he is also a potential Gold Glove centerfielder who has decent pop and plenty of speed.
Three potential landing spots for Ramon Laureano
This should be a perfect storm for the A’s. Laureano would be the best centerfielder available if he was put on the trade block. Plenty of teams need help in center. The A’s could get the pieces they need to expedite their rebuilding project by moving Laureano.
Ramon Laureano may be the best centerfielder on the market. Let’s take a look at three possible landing spots for the Oakland A’s outfielder.
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees have somewhat addressed their hole in center. Ender Inciarte was signed to a minor league contract, giving them someone that is actually capable of playing the position for an extended period of time.
If Inciarte is getting extensive playing time in New York, something went drastically wrong. While he may be a Gold Glove caliber outfielder, he has not been able to hit his way out of a wet paper bag for the past two years. The Yankees need a much better option.
Laureano would be that. He would add another dynamic aspect to the lineup, someone capable of hitting with a bit of pop while adding an element of speed to the roster. That speed aspect could make a difference; Tyler Wade led the Yankees with 17 steals last year and Gleyber Torres was their only other player to reach double digits.
This would also keep the Yankees from needing to rely upon Aaron Hicks. He has played in a total of 145 games over the past three years, although he was actually fully healthy in the pandemic shortened 2020 campaign. Hicks could theoretically slot in as their fourth outfielder, getting the rest he would need to be a productive part of the lineup.
The New York Yankees desperately need a centerfielder. Ramon Laureano could be yet another trade target for the team from the Oakland A’s.