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MLB trade rumors: Each team’s best trade chip

By Joshua Sadlock

Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 18, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Sonny Gray (54) pitches against the Boston Red Sox during the first inning at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
May 18, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Sonny Gray (54) pitches against the Boston Red Sox during the first inning at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports /

Oakland Athletics: Sonny Gray

Some of Sonny Gray’s trade value has come back this season. With three years remaining until free agency, the A’s should be able to find a trade partner for their ace if they shop him aggressively enough. It will be up to the front office to decide whether or not they want to gamble on holding him into the 2018 season.

Gray is 2-2 with a 4.57 ERA in his first seven starts since coming off the disabled list in May. At times, he has looked like the pitcher who nearly won the AL Cy Young in 2015. Four of his past five starts have been quality starts and he struck out 11 in seven innings against Miami on May 24. He also beat the Red Sox on May 18 for his first win of the season.

If Gray is not traded this season, the A’s could look to shop first baseman Yonder Alonso. The veteran first baseman has already obliterated his career high in home runs with 16. Alonso had never hit more than nine in the big leagues. He is batting a robust .297/.395/.676 on the year with 34 RBI.

With Alonso signed to a one-year deal for $4 million, the A’s have already gotten far more than they expected from the eight-year veteran. He has shown no signs of slowing down in May and June. With his newfound power stroke, Alonso has played himself out of the A’s price range for 2018 and beyond. They will be able to get a lucrative trade package at the deadline.

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