3 Oakland A's that should be gone after trade deadline

2 of 3

The Oakland A’s are going to be an interesting team to watch at the trade deadline. Players such as Frankie Montas and Sean Muprhy, if the latter is made available, will have a large market. It is likely a matter of time until Montas is dealt away, especially as teams desperately search for upgrades to their rotation heading into the postseason.

But there are other players that the A’s could look to move. They have several players that are either slated for free agency next year or that they are looking to move on from. Those players, if they perform well, could end up being traded away as well.

Three players that Oakland A’s should move on from after trade deadline

However, it is entirely possible that the trade deadline will pass and these players will still be on the A’s. If that happens, it would be best to move on, looking ahead to the future while freeing up roster spots. While that may cost ownership some money, those salaries were not coming off the books anyway.

The Oakland A’s are hoping to move on from several players in the coming weeks. Let’s look at three that should be off the roster one way or another.

Elvis Andrus

Who would have imagined that Elvis Andrus was the Oakland A’s best hitter heading into Sunday?

That was the case however. His 107 OPS+ was tied with Ramon Laureano for the team lead, a statistic that likely says everything about the A’s lineup. At the same time, Andrus’ .244/.311/.384 batting line with three homers and 14 doubles over his 180 plate appearances. That production is actually surprisingly decent.

It makes it possible that a team could look to Andrus as an upgrade at short. The A’s would likely take anything for him, especially if it means that his $15 million option for next year is not their responsibility. At the same time, it is that option that could make it impossible to trade Andrus away.

Meanwhile, the A’s have Nick Allen waiting in the wings. He has gotten a brief look this season, with 16 plate appearances, and has appeared to be overmatched as he has struck out nine times. However, he is also the future at the position and has far more upside than an aging and expensive veteran.

Elvis Andrus does not have a future with the Oakland A’s. Once the trade deadline has passed, he should be off their roster.

Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports /

Stephen Piscotty

It is going to be far more difficult for the Oakland A’s to trade Stephen Piscotty. After all, he has barely played this year due to a strained calf and battling COVID.

Piscotty has been surprisingly solid when he has taken the diamond. He had produced a respectable .225/.340/.325 batting line with a double and a homer while stealing two bases in his 47 plate appearances. He was drawing walks and making solid contact, his 101 OPS+ his best mark since 2018.

It is possible that a team would have some interest in him at the deadline provided that he is healthy. For all of his injury woes and his struggles over the years, he has hit lefties fairly well. At worst, a team could look at him as a platoon option in the outfield or designated hitter while also serving as a possible pinch hitter.

Meanwhile, he is not someone that has a future with the A’s. They are going to decline his option for 2023, paying the $1 million buyout instead of the $15 million he would be otherwise due. Even if the A’s do not have much that could make a major league impact in the outfield at the upper levels, they may as well give those players a look.

Stephen Piscotty has been solid when he has been healthy this year. The problem is that he just does not have a future with the Oakland A’s.

Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

Lou Trivino

Lou Trivino is a difficult piece for the Oakland A’s to evaluate. Yet, he could actually generate interest at the trade deadline.

His numbers are mediocre at best. Trivino has a 6.75 ERA and a 1.650 WHiP in his 13.1 innings, numbers that are not going to attract much attention. However, he has also struck out 21 batters and has a 2.77 FIP thus far. He may be maddeningly inconsistent, but his metrics are solid enough.

That could be enough for a team to take a chance on him. Everyone is looking to shore up their bullpen at the trade deadline and even mediocre relievers can change teams. Trivino’s advanced stats, and his time as a closer in 2021, could lead to another team giving him a chance.

Those metrics also indicate that he could return to form for the A’s. As he is under team control through 2024, it would theoretically be worthwhile to see if that happens. However, sometimes players just need a change of scenery for them to get back to being what they once were. That may be the case with Trivino as well.

Next. Montas nearing end of A's tenure. dark

Lou Trivino was supposed to be a big part of the Oakland A’s plans in 2022. Instead, they may be better off cutting bait if he cannot be traded.