MLB Trade Deadline: The ultimate 30-team trade
10. Oakland Athletics
RHP, Luis Ortiz
LHP, Kodi Medeiros
Davis and Joyce obviously aren’t the only players likely to leave Oakland this summer. When the A’s shipped relievers Sean Doolittle and Ryan Madson Washington to help the struggling Nationals bullpen, it was a signal to the league that, despite an ultra-competitive AL Wild Card race, Oakland was prepared to go all-in on a rebuild.
Starter Sonny Gray has been the most widely discussed pitcher on the trade market this summer, and a wide range of teams are rumored to be interested in Gray. The Yankees need some help in the starting rotation, the Astros have been linked to Gray in recent weeks, the Mariners are latecomers to the discussion, and even rebuilding clubs like the Braves have been involved.
But the team that makes the most sense is the Brewers (even if Ken Rosenthal reported Monday the Brewers were fading in talks for the starter). Given no shot of making the playoffs out of spring training, Milwaukee has spent the majority of the season in first place and has an opportunity to steal the NL Central division title from the defending World Series champion Cubs. However, after losing seven of their last eight games, the Brewers are in danger of losing their grip.
The starting rotation needs an upgrade. Not only would Gray help the cause in 2017, he’s not eligible for free agency until 2020. Given his controllable contract situation, the price is high for the 27-year-old right-hander, and the Brewers are among the only teams with the prospect depth to acquire Gray.
Expect Milwaukee to send three to four quality players to Oakland in the deal, such as pitching prospects Luis Ortiz and Kodi Medeiros, and possibly recently demoted outfielder Keon Broxton, who has huge athletic talent but has struggled to put it all together at the major league level. Also expect the Brewers to be involved in the deal that sends All-Star first baseman Yonder Alonso to the Bronx.