Oakland A's: Three options to shore up the middle infield

Oakland A’s: Three options to shore up the middle infield

OAKLAND, CA - MARCH 28: An overview of the Coliseum while the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and Oakland Athletics stands for the National Anthem on Opening Day of Majoar League Baseball at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on March 28, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Rob Leiter/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /

Oakland A’s may have to look to the trade market.

Without a deep talent pipeline to deal from, the Oakland A’s will have to buy low on a shortstop option who they think can rebound in 2021. One name that fits that mold and immediately jumps out is former New York Met and current Cleveland Indian shortstop Amed Rosario.

Rosario put together back-to-back decent seasons to kick-off his career with New York, including a 2.7 fWAR season in 2019 in which he slashed .287/.323/.432 with 15 home runs, 30 doubles, and seven triples.

His production dipped significantly in 2020 as he was worth just 0.1 fWAR across 46 games as the Mets turned more to Andres Gimenez. Unfortunately for Rosario, Gimenez has followed him to Cleveland, who also recently brought back Cesar Hernandez, leaving Cleveland with plenty of options up the middle.

Coming off a down season, Oakland may be able to buy low when it comes to Rosario. Having very little competition in the market also helps as most teams have filled their voids at shortstop now.

Perhaps a change of scenery would help Rosario, who wouldn’t have much competition behind him in Oakland. He also brings a few years of control which may be attractive for a team like the Oakland A’s who are reluctant to spend much money this offseason.

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