Could the Oakland A’s Trade Marcus Semien?
After a terrific 2019 MLB season, could Oakland Athletics infielder and AL MVP finalist Marcus Semien be on the move?
In 2019, the Oakland Athletics finished the season 97-65 and placed second in the American League West. Oakland made it to the Wild Card game and lost to the Tampa Bay Rays.
Matt Chapman, Matt Olson, and Liam Hendriks all made it to the All-Star game. Olson and Chapman were also honored with Gold Glove awards. In addition to that Olson, Chapman and Marcus Semien all hit at least 30 home runs and 90 RBIs.
Marcus Semien led the A’s in hits with 187 and WAR with an 8.1, Semien turned 29 at the end of the season and is a finalist for the American League MVP award, meaning he finished at least third. He led the AL in games played and plate appearance while playing exceptional defense.
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Semien is coming off a career year and only has one year left on his contract and will get a major pay upgrade this offseason. He was only made $5.9 million and is set to make $13.5 million in his final year of arbitration. It is a possibility that the A’s could look to trade the shortstop this offseason.
According to MLB.com, four of Oakland’s top seven prospects can play shortstop. Both Robert Puason and Logan Davidson are both outright shortstops, while Nick Allen and Jorge Mateo play both middle infield positions. Semien is not in their long-term plans because of his future price.
The A’s are unlikely to offer him an extension or sign him when he hits free agency. They are reluctant to pay him during arbitration.
With their depth at short, the A’s could still contend if they trade Semien. The team has traded players in the past to avoid paying them, like Josh Donaldson.
The Milwaukee Brewers could be looking for a shortstop. They are looking to upgrade their lineup, and this could be a huge opportunity for them.
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The Oakland Athletics would get a big package back for Semien because he is an elite defender and has consistent power at the plate.