3 potential destinations for Oakland A’s closer Lou Trivino
Lou Trivino had been considered the Oakland A’s closer in waiting for years. While inconsistency delayed his ascension to the role, he finally took over the ninth inning in 2021, theoretically giving the A’s a long term option at the position.
For the most part, he was solid in his first season as a closer. He posted a respectable 3.18 ERA and a 1.249 WHiP in his 73.2 innings, notching 22 saves with 67 strikeouts and 34 walks. However, that inconsistency also appeared, as he had a three week span where he was unuseable, essentially costing the A’s a playoff berth.
Three destinations for Oakland A’s closer Lou Trivino
Despite those issues, Trivino is still considered to be an intriguing option for teams looking for bullpen depth. He still has three years of team control left and has just entered arbitration for the first time. Not only would he potentially be a long term option in the bullpen, but he would also be cost effective. Those traits could lead to a fairly large market, especially with virtually every team with playoff aspirations looking for bullpen help.
If the Oakland A’s do place Lou Trivino on the trade block, they will have plenty of suitors. Let’s take a look at three possible destinations.
Milwaukee Brewers
The Milwaukee Brewers appeared to be perfectly set up for a deep run into the postseason in 2021. They had a dominant bullpen, an impressive trio atop the rotation, and a lineup that provided enough offense to eke out victories.
That changed when Devin Williams decided to punch a wall. Suddenly, the Brewers bullpen was missing a key part of their success, forcing relievers into roles that they were not suited for. The end result was an unceremonious departure in the NLDS, a disappointing end to a season that had World Series aspirations.
Trivino would help to mitigate such injury concerns going forward. While he would not take over as their closer given the presence of Josh Hader, he would be a solid option for the seventh or eighth inning. He could also take over in the ninth should the Brewers need to give Hader a night off.
Salary would not be a concern either at this point. Although the Brewers have been rumored to be willing to trade Hader due to his price tag, Trivino would not be making enough in his first trek through free agency to be a hindrance on the budget.
The Brewers have a strong bullpen but need more depth. Oakland A’s closer Lou Trivino could be the right fit.
Philadelphia Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies have been attempting to patch their bullpen together for years. It is time for another plan.
As it currently stands, the Phillies are set to enter the 2022 season with Corey Knebel as their closer. He had been an All Star once before – back in 2017. However, he struggled in 2018, missed 2019 due to Tommy John surgery, and was awful in 2020 before landing with the Dodgers for the 2021 campaign.
Knebel looked like his former self last year as he posted a 2.45 ERA and a 0.974 WHiP. The issue is that those numbers came in just 25.2 innings, hardly enough to claim that he is back to form. Nonetheless, the Phillies handed him a one year deal worth $10 million to make him their closer.
Even though he received that type of contract, Knebel is hardly a given. It would make sense for the Phillies to add a backup plan for the ninth inning, or a solid option as a setup man. As Oakland A’s closer Lou Trivino would fit both categories, be cost-efficient, and more than just a rental option, he would make a great deal of sense in Philadelphia.
The Philadelphia Phillies have had issues finding viable relievers for years. Adding Lou Trivino to the bullpen would be a step in the right direction.
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox thought that they had the ninth inning taken care of for the next couple of years when they signed Matt Barnes to an extension.
Considering that Barnes had an All Star caliber first half to the 2021 season, there was no reason to question that decision. He had been a solid setup man prior to his extension as well, making him the perfect piece for the Red Sox to lock in. The problem is that Barnes imploded almost immediately after he was locked in, struggling to the point where the Red Sox did not put him on the postseason roster.
While it is entirely possible that he will return to form in 2022, that is not a gamble the Red Sox can take, especially with their postseason aspirations. Although Lou Trivino is not exactly a given either, the Oakland A’s closer would provide a solid fallback option.
The Red Sox are not done addressing their pitching staff. Although they added several lottery tickets to the rotation, the bullpen still needs plenty of work. They have been linked to other closers as well, whether by trade or in free agency. Trivino, while he may not be an exciting option, would be a cost effective piece for their relief corps.
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Lou Trivino will draw plenty of interest if he is placed on the trade block. The Boston Red Sox could be a perfect fit for his services.