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Oakland A’s focused on trading Sean Manaea

By David Hill

Jul 28, 2021; San Diego, California, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Sean Manaea (55) throws a pitch against the San Diego Padres during the first inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 28, 2021; San Diego, California, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Sean Manaea (55) throws a pitch against the San Diego Padres during the first inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Oakland A’s still have trade bait on their roster. Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas are the two players listed as being the most likely to be sent away, especially as teams are growing more desperate to add arms to their rotation. It is seemingly a matter of time before they are both traded.

That does not mean that the A’s are taking calls on both players just yet. According to reports, the A’s are focusing on trading Manaea before determining their path with Montas.

Oakland A’s looking to trade Sean Manaea first

It does make sense that the A’s would be looking to trade Manaea first. He is a free agent after this season, and if he is dealt before Opening Day, could potentially receive the Qualifying Offer. As such, teams have more of an incentive to get this deal to happen as quickly as possible.

Likewise, Manaea is going to cost far more than the A’s would ever want to pay anyone. His $9.75 million salary for 2022 is more than reasonable; however, John Fisher makes the pre-Christmas ghosts version of Ebenezer Scrooge appear to be a spendthrift. Why would he want to pay a solid top of the rotation arm that much when he could just pocket that cash?

Meanwhile, Manaea should bring back a solid return. He posted a solid 3.91 ERA and a 1.227 WHiP in his 179.1 innings, striking out 194 batters with 41 walks. He also took the ball for a league leading 32 starts last year, his ability to take the ball every fifth day something that will be valued after a short spring training.

It also helps that the A’s may be the only option right now. The Reds, who had also been selling players off, indicated that they will not be moving Luis Castillo or Tyler Mahle. If a team wants to upgrade their rotation, they will need to come to the A’s and trade for Manaea.

dark. Next. Projecting the A's Opening Day lineup

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The Oakland A’s are reportedly focused on trading Sean Manaea. It makes sense that he would be the next player to leave the organization.