Oakland A’s overplaying their hand with Chad Pinder

Chad Pinder is the type of player that should get plenty of attention prior to the trade deadline. His ability to play either corner outfield position, as well as second and third, makes him a valuable player on any major league bench. Add in his solid pop and a respectable bat, and one can see why he would be a valued trade target.

Those traits are also why the Oakland A’s value him so highly. They have resisted the temptation to put Pinder on the trade block thus far despite the fact that they are clearly not going anywhere but back home this season.

Oakland A’s need to face reality with Chad Pinder

That includes Pinder. However, there is another layer to his current status on the A’s – he is slated to be a free agent at the end of the season. If the A’s would not spend on their star players, or put the franchise tag on key parts of the lineup, there is no chance that they will keep Pinder around.

Which would lead to the logical step of trading Pinder. If he is not going to be a part of the future, then the A’s need to get something that could be. As a player such as Pinder will generate interest, with the Padres as a logical landing spot, they could get a solid enough return.

To this point, the A’s have refused. Their valuation of Pinder has led to their inability to see the reality of the situation in that they need to part ways. At some point, that reality is going to smack the front office in the face; hopefully, by then, it will not be too late.

The Oakland A’s need to face reality when it comes to Chad Pinder. They need to trade him at the deadline or they will lose him for nothing.