Oakland A’s trade possibility: Chad Pinder
Probably not a name you expected here but he has an interesting case for teams around the league. He has only totaled a 1.3 fWAR over the past three seasons, only having one season with a WRC+ over 100. However, Pinder has regularly underperformed his expected statistics with the Oakland A’s. Just in 2021, he had a .243 BA, .411 SLG, and a .307 wOBA, while his expected numbers were .368 BA, .713 SLG, and .457 xwOBA.
With a potential breakout season looming, along with versatility and pretty solid defense around the field, there is a lot for other teams to be interested in and take a chance on as he only has one year left of team control.
Atlanta Braves
With Joc Pederson and Jorge Soler becoming free agents there are potential holes in the outfield. They have Ozuna coming back at some point, and Adam Duvall still under contract. Prospects like Cristian Pache and Drew Waters look available too, however, there are concerns about their hitting at the major league level. Atlanta could look to bring back one of their free agents but even if that is the case Pinder could be a utility guy that still has the potential to breakout.
Philadelphia Phillies
Outside of the bullpen, the outfield has probably been the weakest area for the Phils with not much out there helping the 2021 NL MVP Bryce Harper. Taking a chance on a guy like Pinder is exactly something that Philly should be doing. At the very least he is about an average bat and defender, which is still much better than what they have currently.
Texas Rangers
With two new major stars in the infield, the outfield is still a work in progress as Adolis Garcia might be the only player who could be a regular as both Nick Solak and Willie Calhoun have struggled in the majors. They did sign Kole Calhoun who I am not fully certain will be a solid option for them, but even if he is that still leaves left field open. Pinder is 29 years old and, with the potential there, it wouldn’t hurt for a team in their position to take a chance.
Boston Red Sox
Was the Jackie Bradley Jr. trade to Boston weird to any of you too? I don’t understand the reason to take on his money, or to flip such a positive bat in Renfroe for a guy who was one of the worst hitters in baseball last season. Alex Verdugo seems like the only solid option in the outfield as Kiké Hernandez might play second or center. That still leaves left for maybe Jarren Duran or Christin Stewart who had good years in Triple-A but did not really have any time in the Majors. Pinder could be the backup option they are not ready for the Majors just yet.
Los Angeles Angels
The Angels have so much money tied up that the idea of finding potential breakout guys on cheap deals should be very valuable and Pinder fits pretty well with this squad. Both Brandon Marsh and Jo Adell have finally made it up to the majors. However, neither has found their footing quite yet at the plate so having a guy like Pinder around to fill if slumps last too long or if they need to be sent down would be very valuable, even if they may have to give up more with an inter-division trade with the Oakland A’s.