The Oakland Athletics have shown in the past they are not afraid to make big trades around the deadline. With Oakland sitting in the bottom portion of the AL West, should the A’s buy or sell this year?
The Oakland Athletics are usually an interesting team to watch each year as the trade deadline approaches. Vice President of baseball operations Billy Beane and his team have not shied away from both acquiring big time players in the past, and dealing them away as well.
To this point in the 2016 season, the A’s have fallen behind the AL West front runners — the Seattle Mariners and Texas Rangers. Instead, Oakland finds itself residing in the lower portion of the AL West standings. Entering play Friday, when the Athletics open a three-game set against the Houston Astros, Oakland has a record of 25-29. While they are still four games under .500, the A’s have won 5 in a row entering play Friday. However, over the course of this season, the A’s may struggle to keep pace with Texas and Seattle. Because of this, Oakland very likely will not be one of the teams looking to buy at this year’s trade deadline.
More from Oakland Athletics
- Oakland Athletics: The 4 legends on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
- 5 reasons for MLB owners to vote no on Oakland A’s move to Las Vegas
- Oakland Athletics: Jace Peterson, Sam Moll find new homes through trades
- MLB Trade Deadline: AL West roundup with Rangers, Angels, Astros wishlist, A’s and Mariners for sale
- Beane, Forst and the Oakland A’s front office: A mid-term grade for 2023
The A’s have suffered many injuries this season, with a few of their key players on the disabled list. Due to their several injuries, the A’s may not sell just yet, but as the August 1 deadline gets closer and players return from injury, that could change. Since the Athletics aren’t likely to buy — trading Minor League talent for established Major League talent — this season, here are 5 potential moves Oakland could make if they elect to be sellers by the deadline.
Next: Power-Hitting Infielder