3 potential landing spots for Ramon Laureano

At some point, it has to end. Eventually, the Oakland A’s will stop selling off their players and actually look to build a core around key players that exemplify the passion that the team needs. Ramon Laureano would be one such player.

But those times may not happen for years. Ownership is determined to squeeze every last cent they can out of the A’s, not caring if they alienate their fanbase or if the product on the field is utterly putrid. That would include trading someone such as Laureano, whose years of team control and fire make him the perfect candidate to build around.

Three potential landing spots for Ramon Laureano

Meanwhile, this could be the perfect time for the A’s to trade Laureano. Center fielders are few and far between for teams looking to contend and Laureano could fetch a solid return. The perpetual rebuild will continue forward with another player donning a different uniform.

The Oakland A’s are going to have plenty of suitors for Ramon Laureano. Let’s take a look at three potential fits for the outfielder.

Philadelphia Phillies

Five different players have made at least eight appearances in center for the Phillies this year. None of them have been any good.

Odubel Herrera has been the Phillies best center fielder thus far in 2022. He has posted a .668 OPS and an 88 OPS+ heading into Thursday. And that is the best production they have received. To compound matters, none of the options that the Phillies have appear to be a long term solution.

Laureano would be. He is under team control for two more years beyond this season, something that would allow the Phillies to actually let Herrera walk in free agency. His solid all around production at the plate and excellent defense would fit perfectly in a Phillies’ outfield in need of both at the position.

The biggest question would involve what the Phillies would have to part with in order to bring Laureano on board. None of their top prospects have panned out for years, leaving one to question the organizational philosophy. However, any trade package for Laureano would likely include intriguing outfield prospect Johan Rojas, a player whose future projections are rather varied.

The Philadelphia Phillies could use Ramon Laureano. It is a matter of whether or not they have enough to make a trade work.

Miami Marlins

Last year, the Oakland A’s acquired Starling Marte from the Marlins. This year, they may be able to return the favor with Ramon Laureano.

It is not a secret that the Marlins are looking for a center fielder. They had reportedly been after Marte in free agency before pivoting to the idea that Avisail Garcia could play center. Jesus Sanchez has taken over that role, and while he has not been a disaster with the glove, is also clearly out of his element.

The interest is certainly there on Miami’s side. They had already been reported to be heavily pursuing Laureano as he would be the somewhat long term answer they need. While he would not solve all of the Marlins lineup issues, he would be another strong defensive player and a solid all around bat in a lineup that needs help.

Miami does have the prospects that could interest the A’s. Their pitching depth, both in the majors and minors, is enviable. And they have indicated a willingness to move an arm or two if it helps improve the lineup for the long term. The Marlins also have plenty of shortstops in their system, another position that the A’s were targeting in the offseason. A package involving the likes of Dax Fulton and Yiddi Cappi could be a start to send Laureano to the Marlins.

The Oakland A’s landed a center fielder from the Marlins last year. This year, they could send Ramon Laureano to Miami to return the favor.