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MLB Trade Deadline: 1 trade every team shouldn’t make

By Nathaniel Reeves

Apr 4, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder A.J. Pollock prior to the game against the Colorado Rockies during Opening Day at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 4, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder A.J. Pollock prior to the game against the Colorado Rockies during Opening Day at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Sonny Gray (54) throws a pitch against the Cleveland Indians during the first inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Sonny Gray (54) throws a pitch against the Cleveland Indians during the first inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports /

Oakland Athletics: Selling low on Sonny Gray 

Billy Beane went against a few of his own philosophies at the 2014 trade deadline, and the A’s have been paying for it since. After a terrible 2015 season, Oakland is off to a 19-22 start, and doesn’t appear to have the starting pitching to keep pace in the AL West.

That means Oakland will likely be one of the few sellers in the AL, with pieces like Josh Reddick possibly heading elsewhere. Rumors even began to swirl in the offseason that the A’s could entertain the idea of trading ace starter Sonny Gray.

Gray would likely be the best pitcher available on the market, and therefore would net a huge haul. While not a terrible idea – Oakland is probably a ways away from competing for the postseason – now is not the most opportune time.

The 26-year-old is having by far the worst season of his career with a 5.84 ERA (5.15 FIP) and 20 walks in 44.2 innings according to FanGraphs.com. Whether it’s a slump or he’s pitching through an injury, other teams are going to want Gray to return to form before dealing the necessary value to get him.

Unless Gray gets going in the next two or three starts, this may be a deal better suited for the offseason.

Next: Philadelphia Phillies: Buying any short-term piece

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