Oakland Athletics Trade Rumors: Interested in Ozuna, Yelich

Miami Marlins’ outfielders Marcell Ozuna and Christian Yelich are each possible trade candidates this offseason. According to the latest Oakland Athletics trade rumors, one could be bound to join the Oakland.

In their search for a controllable young outfielder, the latest Oakland Athletics trade rumors link them to a pair of Miami Marlins players. It’s not Giancarlo Stanton they are after. Instead, it’s Marcell Ozuna and Christian Yelich they want.

According to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle, the Athletics aren’t about to bow down to the rest of the American League West. At least, this is true when it comes to any trade talks involving this pair of potentially available young stars.

It’s very well-known that the Marlins are looking to shed payroll. Although they would prefer to trade Stanton and a few others earning more, Ozuna and Yelich are both trade chips Miami could deal away. Their barren farm system should at least have them interested in selling this pair at the height of their value.

Ozuna put together a career-year in 2017. Through the 679 plate appearances, Ozuna slashed .312/.376/.548. He smashed 37 home runs while also knocking in 124 runs. As an added bonus, Ozuna won his first career Gold Glove. This came in his first season as the Marlins’ starting left fielder. When it comes to contributing in multiple ways, few were better than Ozuna in 2017.

Meanwhile, in some regards, Yelich took a step back from his great 2016 campaign. Each of his batting line numbers dropped, but he did strikeout at a lower rate. Yelich also got back to basics and stole 16 bases after only swiping nine bags the year prior. Viewed as more of a leadoff hitter, Yelich would give the Athletics something completely different than what Ozuna brings to the table.

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Oakland could land either outfielder and drastically improve their roster. Since both can play all three outfield positions, it’s tough to have a preference. If it means anything, though, Yelich’s left-handed bat might prove more valuable.

The Athletics could also use speed a little more than power. Assuming Khris Davis returns and Matt Olson continues to forego gap power and go straight for the home run, the power department is covered.

As for what these two would cost, the price is certainly a steep one. Taking on a bad contract like that belonging to Martin Prado or Wei-Yin Chen could definitely help the Athletics keep a few more prospects in their system. The Oakland Athletics would still need to trade at least a few talented young players to finally land the outfielder they’ve coveted for so many years.

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Do these Oakland Athletics trade rumors come to fruition? Do they pull it off? A lot might depend on whether or not Stanton is traded. If he’s dealt, one less team will compete to acquire Yelich or Ozuna. The Athletics already have a healthy enough minor league system to add either. With one less team vying for their services, their odds increase exponentially.