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MLB Trade Deadline: 15 deals that should happen

By Nathaniel Reeves

May 14, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Andrew Miller (48) delivers a pitch against the Chicago White Sox at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
May 14, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Andrew Miller (48) delivers a pitch against the Chicago White Sox at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 21, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Sonny Gray (54) delivers a pitch in the sixth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at the Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 21, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Sonny Gray (54) delivers a pitch in the sixth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at the Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Sonny Gray to the Boston Red Sox

To really kick off a rebuild, the Athletics are going to have to deal some of their biggest names beyond Reddick, Hill and Valencia. While it would be difficult for Oakland to part with a young starter like Gray, the lack of pitching available means the return would be very tempting, and this might be the best chance for the team to build a path towards contention.

That includes the Red Sox, who are going to try to get their hands on any top-line pitcher who becomes available. Boston has the best offense in the Majors, but needs some starting rotation help beyond David Price (who hasn’t been at his best this year) and knuckleballer Steven Wright.

The 26-year-old Gray has been excellent since debuting for the Athletics four years ago, posting a career 3.18 ERA (3.52 FIP) with a combined 427 innings pitched in 2014 and 2015 per FanGraphs. While Gray’s value is down right now as he currently sports a 5.03 ERA (4.52 FIP), he has turned four strong outings in five games since returning from a trapezius injury on June 5.

If Gray can continue that form up until the deadline, other teams should be convinced he’s healthy. Dave Dombrowski has had no qualms about going into win-now mode in the past, and trading for Gray could give Boston the pitching boost it really needs.

Benintendi and Yoan Moncada are likely off-limits, but the Athletics would have their pick of the rest of Boston’s outstanding farm system, including Rafael Devers and Anderson Espinoza.

Next: 1. Andrew Miller to the Chicago Cubs

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