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MLB Trade Deadline Rumors: 5 trades A’s should make

By Nicholas Ian Allen

OAKLAND, AZ - JUNE 04: Yonder Alonso #17 of the Oakland Athletics hits a single against the Washington Nationals during the ninth inning of the MLB game at Oakland Coliseum on June 4, 2017 in Oakland, California. The Nationals defeated the Athletics 11-10. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, AZ - JUNE 04: Yonder Alonso #17 of the Oakland Athletics hits a single against the Washington Nationals during the ninth inning of the MLB game at Oakland Coliseum on June 4, 2017 in Oakland, California. The Nationals defeated the Athletics 11-10. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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SEATTLE, WA – JULY 07: Rajai Davis #11 of the Oakland Athletics (Photo by Lindsey Wasson/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA – JULY 07: Rajai Davis #11 of the Oakland Athletics (Photo by Lindsey Wasson/Getty Images) /

4. Trade Rajai Davis to the Rockies

After hitting a career-high 12 home runs in the regular season, Rajai Davis hit one of the biggest homers in Cleveland Indians history in the World Series last year. His power numbers have dipped in 2017, but the veteran outfielder could provide a similar spark for a contender again this fall.

The 36-year-old Davis has hit just .222/.280/.329 with the A’s this season, and has connected for just three long balls thus far. Given his age, as well as both his offensive and defensive decline, it appears Davis’ days as an everyday center fielder and leadoff hitter are behind him.

Nevertheless, Davis has value as a part-time player, and particularly as a pinch runner. Last season, Davis stole 43 bases (which led the American League) in 49 attempts. This season, he has 17 thefts in 21 tries.

Speedsters are incredibly valuable in the postseason when the margin for error is minimized. The ability to put pressure on a defense with a steal attempt or by trying to take an extra base could be the difference between winning or losing a playoff game.

The Colorado Rockies, who haven’t made the postseason since 2009, are in a good position after a strong start this year. Up 5.5 games in the NL Wild Card standings, but a distant 11 games behind the Dodgers in the NL West, the Rockies appear destined for the Wild Card Game. Therefore, it makes sense to add some speed to a lineup that ranks 24th in the majors and 13th in the NL with 34 stolen bases in preparation – especially a speedster with a history of playoff heroics.

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