There was some logic in the Oakland A’s decision to send Elvis Andrus out nearly every day prior to August 2. If he performed well, there was a chance that another team would be willing to take him off of the A’s hands. It was a small chance, but at least there was one.
Andrus had done his part. He posted a surprisingly useful .237/.302/.371 batting line in his 351 plate appearances through the end of July, hitting seven homers and 22 doubles. It may not have been much, but it was enough to make him one of the A’s best hitters and someone that seriously appeared in trade rumors.
Elvis Andrus no longer has place with Oakland A’s
But that did not happen. Teams were, understandably, leery of giving Andrus extensive playing time, leading to a total of 550 plate appearances and triggering a $15 million player option. No one in their right mind is going to want to spend that much money for his services. Although…the Rockies did just hand Daniel Bard $19 million…
This should be a time for the A’s to give younger players a look. Instead, Andrus has been out there for two of their three games once the trade deadline passed. As they are not going to be able to trade him, and clearly do not want to pay his vesting option, that seems counterproductive.
Teams have been cutting bait on other disappointing veterans. The Red Sox designated Jackie Bradley Jr. for assignment and the Phillies are moving on from Didi Gregorius. Andrus may not have been nearly as bad as that duo, but he is also not a part of the A’s future.
That is essentially the key. The A’s are clearly playing for two or three years from now and working to find that core. Andrus is not going to be a part of that. Instead, his presence is keeping a roster spot from someone that could. It is time to move on.
There is no reason for the Oakland A’s to keep playing Elvis Andrus at this point. It is time that they move on and give another young player a chance.