MLB trade rumors: One player each team should target

BALTIMORE, MD - APRIL 21: Manny Machado #13 of the Baltimore Orioles looks on during the game against the Cleveland Indians at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on Saturday, April 21, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland (Photo by Rob Tringali/SportsChrome/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Manny Machado /

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – MAY 31: Cleveland Indians Pitcher Shane Bieber (57) delivers a pitch during a MLB game between the Minnesota Twins and Cleveland Indians on May 31, 2018 at Target Field in Minneapolis, MN. The Indians defeated the Twins 9-8.(Photo by Nick Wosika/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Oakland Athletics

Shane Bieber, SP

The A’s are in a similar to position to that of the Marlins. They have a second baseman who is performing well, Jed Lowrie, and are looking to trade him for farm system depth. So, they will probably be targeting a trade with the Indians who need second base help desperately.

Now, the Indians have Shane Bieber who may be exactly the undervalued player that the A’s like to pounce on and turn into gold. In 2017, Bieber led minor league baseball in walk rate and walks per 9 innings. He doesn’t need to be taught how to throw strikes or strikeout batters as he strikes out about 8 batters per 9 innings.

In his 1 start in the MLB, he threw 5 and 2/3 innings giving up 4 runs and striking out 6 batters. Not a stellar start, but one in which he showed all the ability he has on the mound. MLB.com’s evaluation of him states that he “shows all the components needed to become a No. 4 starter”. It appears that he has the raw ability to do more than just be a No. 4 starter and that is exactly what the A’s are looking for. They can capitalize on his abilities by making a trade for him where they send the Indians Jed Lowrie.

To me, the worst case scenario for Bieber is someone who eats up innings and does a solid job, he’ll have a spot on an MLB roster, the A’s should make it theirs.

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