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Building blocks already in majors for Oakland A’s

By David Hill

Aug 12, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Oakland Athletics right fielder Ramon Laureano (22) watches his team bat against the Houston Astros in the third inning at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 12, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Oakland Athletics right fielder Ramon Laureano (22) watches his team bat against the Houston Astros in the third inning at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports /
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The beginning of the Oakland A’s rebuilding process has gone as well as could be expected.

Not only did the A’s not have much at the upper levels in the minors, but their farm system was considered one of the worst in baseball. The myriad of trades made during the offseason brought in a top prospect in Shea Langeliers; however, none of the other prospects were exactly highly regarded. The Frankie Montas trade at the deadline helped, but most pieces for the rebuild are still a year or two away.

Oakland A’s have some building blocks at major league level

This does not mean that the present is entirely devoid of hope. The A’s do have some pieces already at the major league level that they could build around. It is just a matter of being able to find other options to insert onto the roster in their quest to return to relevence.

The Oakland A’s have some building blocks already at the major league level. Let’s take a look at the players they should build around.

Outfield

We’ll start with the outfield because this will be the fastest of the position groups.

For any other team, Ramon Laureano would be the type of player that they would look to extend. He is a fiery leader, someone who cares about the franchise and wants to win. He understands the Athletics’ Way and is the type of player who can help mold the younger players.

But this is the A’s. Although he is relatively inexpensive, has multiple years of team control left, and a solid all around game, the A’s are far more concerned with saving a few shekels than keeping a viable core at this point. Chances are, that means Laureano is more likely to be traded than extended.

Aside from Laureano, the cupboard is bare at the major league level. Cristian Pache looks like a fourth outfielder at best as he cannot hit. Cody Thomas has looked good but has all of eight major league games. Chad Pinder is a free agent. Seth Brown could be an option for the Oakland A’s here but is presently at first base. This one could get ugly soon.