Oakland Athletics: 3 trade targets as deadline nears

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - JULY 18: Manager Bob Melvin #6 of the Oakland Athletics looks on from the dugout against the Cleveland Indians in the bottom of the first inning at RingCentral Coliseum on July 18, 2021 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

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Nelson Cruz, Oakland Athletics” ARLINGTON, TX – JUNE 20: Nelson Cruz #23 of the Minnesota Twins warms up before playing the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field on June 20, 2021 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) /

2. Nelson Cruz

The Minnesota Twins are shockingly bad in 2021 and that means Nelson Cruz is on the trade block. The 41-year-old is on an expiring deal worth $13 million and it makes zero sense for the Twins to keep him at this point.

Cruz is sporting a 2.2 WAR this year and was recently named an All-Star. Even at his age, he has 19 home runs this year along with a .921 OPS.

So far this year Mitch Moreland has seen a good amount of time in the DH role with the A’s. Jed Lowrie has slotted in there as well. Cruz is superior to any other current options and would easily be the everyday option in the lineup if acquired.

Oakland has one big bat in Matt Olson, with his 24 home runs and .953 OPS. Mark Canha has been great as well, but it is clear this offense could use another power bat.

It is easy to start going over scenarios of moves that would allow Cruz to slide onto the roster. But the focus here for Oakland is landing him in the first place, because it is clear he would be a nice fit at DH. His age and experience make him the ideal rental option.

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