MLB Trade Rumors: A’s Pursuing Rangers Uehara

The Texas Rangers haven’t tried to hide the fact that they are shopping reliever Koji Uehara this winter.  Teams such as the Orioles and Red Sox have shown interest in Uehara throughout the offseason, and the Blue Jays even had a deal worked out with the Rangers before Koji used his partial no-trade clause to block it.  Now, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports is reporting that the A’s are pursing the right-hander while the Orioles remain interested in a possible reunion with Uehara.

Though Uehara posted an ERA and WHIP of 2.35 and 0.723 during the 2011 regular season, he faltered during the playoffs and was ultimately left off of the Rangers World Series roster.  With their offseason additions and pitching staff rearrangement, Texas views Uehara as expendable and reportedly likes the offers they have been receiving this winter.  The Rangers would apparently like to flip Uehara for prospects.

The Athletics are certainly not a reliever away from contention, but Uehara is someone who Billy Beane could use to close in 2012 and flip at the deadline.  The Orioles did just that with Uehara last July when they sent him to the Rangers for Chris Davis and Tommy Hunter.

Beyond the A’s, the Orioles are said to remain interested in the veteran reliever.  Uehara became a fan favorite in Baltimore and the 36-year-old has said time and time again that he’d love to return to Charm City.  The Orioles have been seeking relief help this offseason, but the club is hesitant to trade any prospects of value due to their lack of depth in the minors.

For more on the Rangers and Athletics, be sure to check out Nolan Writin’ and Swingin’ A’s.

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