Oakland Athletics acquire Casper Wells from Blue Jays

The Oakland Athletics have acquired 28-year-old outfielder Casper Wells from the Toronto Blue Jays, according to announcements made by both ballclubs. Wells will now play for his third team in less than a month, as the Seattle Mariners designated Wells for assignment. He was part of the trade that sent Doug Fister to the Detroit Tigers in 2011, but the Mariners decided to give newly-signed veteran corner outfielder Jason Bay the roster spot over Wells shortly before the season began.

Toronto made the move to snap-up Wells from the waiver wire earlier this month, and he was promptly designated for assignment by the Jays in order to call up Ramon Ortiz. The Blue Jays were indeed able to flip Wells to the Athletics for something in return, as they will reportedly receive cash considerations for the minor league outfielder.

The Athletics have a chance to turn Wells into a solid backup outfielder, and they could use the depth at the position right now. Wells hits well against left-handers, and he has the ability to play at all three positions in the OF. Last season, Wells was worth 1.2 WAR and has been worth over 1 WAR in each of his three Major League seasons. Wells is a better player than he is given credit for being, and I view him as a quality backup outfielder and somebody worthy of a roster spot. Oakland will almost certainly give Wells that roster spot after giving cash to the Blue Jays, and Wells will give the A’s a little bit of pop, a solid and versatile glove in the outfield, and he has a decent enough bat with a career 109 wRC+. This was a nice, little acquisition for the A’s all told.