In theory, the Oakland A’s will not be overly intriguing at the trade deadline. They have already traded away the vast majority of anything that would have been of interest, slashing payroll until John Fisher was satisfied with his profit margins. Yet Frankie Montas remains as a part of the A’s roster.
Although the A’s have other pieces that teams are going to be interested in, Montas is the biggest prize they have to offer. He could easily be the best starting pitcher available at the trade deadline, triggering a bidding war that could allow the A’s to further replenish their farm system.
Frankie Montas helping trade value
Montas has to know that every time he takes the mound could be his last for the A’s. As they are in danger of falling behind the Reds in the overall standings, it is a matter of time before that call is made and he packs his bags.
He has certainly done his part to keep his trade value as high as possible. Montas has posted a 3.20 ERA and a 0.990 WHiP in his 64.2 innings entering Friday, striking out 71 batters with 15 walks. His 2-5 record may not be overly impressive, but that is more a matter of a lack of run support than his own performance.
At this point, he is the last man standing. He is the last of those top players, the ones that could fetch an impressive haul on the trade block. While Montas remains under team control through next year, that additional season of control would only further the A’s return and the demand for his services.
We all know that is what the A’s want. They want to part with those more expensive players as soon as possible to save a few bucks while replenishing their farm system. As Montas is the equivalent of $3000 rims on a Yugo, and is making the most money out of any player that could reasonably be dealt, his tenure with the A’s is likely in its final weeks.
Frankie Montas is going to be highly coveted at the trade deadline. His time with the Oakland A’s is rapidly nearing its end.