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Chad Pinder could be interesting trade candidate for Oakland A’s

By David Hill

May 24, 2022; Seattle, Washington, USA; Oakland Athletics left fielder Chad Pinder (10) hits an RBI-double against the Seattle Mariners during the first inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
May 24, 2022; Seattle, Washington, USA; Oakland Athletics left fielder Chad Pinder (10) hits an RBI-double against the Seattle Mariners during the first inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
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It may be quicker to name the players that are not on the trade block for the Oakland A’s than those who could be moved. Virtually anything that is not making the league minimum, or close to, is expected to be on the move. And yet, there are several players, such as Chad Pinder, who have not come up in trade rumors.

There may be a reason why that is the case. According to Robert Murray, the A’s just are not expected to trade Pinder despite plenty of interest around the league. Rival executives feel that Pinder’s production to this point does not truly represent his performance.

Chad Pinder could be valuable trade chip

On one hand, it does make sense that the A’s are not looking to shop Pinder because of his performance. He has produced a .248/.270/.402 batting line in his 123 plate appearances entering Friday, hitting four homers and six doubles. Pinder has also drawn just four walks while striking out 42 times, limiting his effectiveness in the batter’s box.

At the same time, can see why other teams are looking beyond those numbers. Pinder has hit the ball hard when he has made contact as his 49.3% hard hit rate ranks in the 90th percentile in the majors. His .246/.294/.437 expected batting line may not be much better than reality, but it does show why teams would be interested.

Pinder is also a valuable asset for his versatility. While he has primarily appeared in left or right for the A’s, he does have experience at second, third, and short. He would be a worthwhile option for any team looking to improve their depth at the trade deadline. Pinder is also in his final year of team control which would seemingly behoove the A’s to get something back for him.

But that does not mean anything. The A’s value him as well for the same reasons other teams would be interested. However, as they are not about to spend any money, it makes no sense to hold on to Pinder just to watch him leave at the end of the year.

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Chad Pinder could be a very interesting trade chip at the deadline. The Oakland A’s just have to decide to put him on the block first.