In the Josh Donaldson trade that stole headlines Friday night, most of the talks have concerned Billy Beane‘s madness, Donaldson’s impact on the Toronto Blue Jays and whether or not Brett Lawrie will stay healthy for the Oakland Athletics. Lost in all this discussion is one major point; Beane should’ve acquired Marcus Stroman.
Who is Stroman? He’s a 23-year-old starting pitcher who had an impressive rookie year in 2014. A 2012 first-round pick from Duke, Stroman raced through the minors and totaled 130.2 IP in 26 starts this past season. In terms of size and stuff, think Sonny Gray, but slightly more electric. Stroman stands at just 5-9 and weighs in at 185, but his velocity touches the mid-90s. He also has developed breaking pitches for his age. In terms of potential and upside, think Tim Lincecum in his prime.
Considering Toronto’s average starting staff and incomplete bullpen, Stroman is a vital piece for the future. Losing him would’ve angered fans and put general manager Alex Anthopoulos under a microscope. Since we’re talking about Donaldson leaving Oakland, an advanced metrics king and all-around phenomenal talent, Stroman shouldn’ve been one of the costs of doing business. To lose an All-Star chip, Oakland should’ve acquired a future All-Star chip.
The modified deal would’ve included Lawrie, Franklin Barreto and either Kendall Graveman or Sean Nolin. One of the acquired pitchers would’ve stayed behind in Toronto, let’s say Nolin, while Stroman would’ve ended up in the Bay Area. Sounds like a steep price, right? Losing a young third baseman in Lawrie, an elite prospect in Barreto, a serviceable pitcher in Graveman and a stud hurler in Stroman. Yes, when talking about a player of Donaldson’s impact, that would’ve been a steep and fair price.
Experts have questioned if it was possible for Beane to receive enough for Donaldson. If Stroman were in the deal, the doubtful majority would be far more inclined to understand Beane. It’s worth noting that Beane’s been labeled nutty before, only to prove the baseball world wrong in all his unexpected glory. Since Donaldson’s the piece leaving the Bay Area though, this feels different. And Stroman would’ve felt different than an often hurt third baseman, two serviceable pitchers and an 18-year-old shortshop being the only rewards for a remarkably effective player.
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If Stroman were off the table, deemed untouchable by Anthopoulos, much like how Beane viewed Donaldson at the beginning of the offseason, then moving on would’ve been appropriate. Toronto, you don’t want to include Stroman in the deal? Then you’re not getting Donaldson. That’s the approach Beane could’ve taken. If Toronto caved, Oakland would’ve acquired an incredible package with Stroman as the centerpiece. If not, Donaldson would’ve been kept for the future or traded when a better offer arrived at Beane’s feet.
This deal will only be understood or fairly evaluated in time. Maybe Donaldson will deteriorate with Toronto. Maybe Lawrie will finally be healthy and the other acquired pieces will have a major impact in Oakland. We don’t know. What we do know though is this; it feels like Oakland traded away its best player and didn’t receive nearly enough in return. A’s fans should be most upset by losing Donaldson. A second source of anger should be failing to land Stroman.