3 potential trade destinations for Ramon Laureano
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.
Miami Marlins
Back in July, the Miami Marlins sent a centerfielder to the Oakland A’s. The opposite could happen once transactions are allowed.
The Marlins have been pursuing centerfielders throughout the offseason. They made a run at bringing Starling Marte back just months after sending him to Oakland. They have reportedly attempted to engage the Diamondbacks in talks for Ketel Marte. However, they have not gotten anywhere and are planning on starting Avisail Garcia in center.
As much as Garcia improves the lineup, he is not the answer in center, having cost his teams ten runs in just 90 games. While the Marlins are looking at other options in the outfield, particularly at the corners, it is time to shift their focus to Ramon Laureano.
Laureano would help in two major areas. He would be another solid bat in the lineup, someone that could slot atop the lineup and help set the table. He would also give the Marlins an actual centerfielder that can make a difference with the glove. Considering that they have plenty of young arms to trade, it is entirely possible that Miami can get a deal done with the A’s.
The Miami Marlins have not been shy about their desire to land a new centerfielder. Ramon Laureano could be a perfect fit.
Philadelphia Phillies
As it currently stands, the Philadelphia Phillies outfield is…Bryce Harper. Centerfield was a problem spot for all of the 2021 season, and with Andrew McCutchen in free agency, the Phillies need a left fielder as well.
One of these is easier said than done. There are plenty of corner outfielders available in free agency that could help the Phillies in their quest to improve the roster. However, that is not the case when it comes to a centerfielder. Unless the Phillies want to give Adam Haseley or Mickey Moniak another look, they will need to make a trade.
Ramon Laureano would make sense as a target. He would not only provide a solid piece atop their lineup but would drastically improve their outfield defense. Laureano would also be more than a rental as he still has another three years of team control left.
This may be a move that the Phillies need to make if they hope to keep pace in the NL East. The Braves won the World Series last season, the Mets have drastically improved, and the Marlins are looking to emerge from their rebuilding process. The Phillies, meanwhile, have hovered around .500 as the roster has not been good enough to do more.
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The Philadelphia Phillies need an infusion of talent throughout the roster. Adding Ramon Laureano would be a good start.