5 trade targets that can help Oakland make the playoffs

James Shields

One of the things we haven’t talked about yet is pitching. The A’s can certainly use an extra arm in the rotation, as a depth guy. That’s exactly what James Shields would provide in Oakland, depth, and someone who has pitched in the playoffs before.

So far this year, Shields is 4-11 with a 4.26 ERA. Those numbers aren’t great but keep in mind, the White Sox are awful this year and win-loss record doesn’t accurately measure the worth of a pitcher.

In seven of his last eight starts, Shields has actually been very good. His earned runs over that span are 1, 3, 2, 0, 1, 8, 2, and 1 his most recent time out. Obviously, the eight spot is awful but the other seven are great for a depth starter.

You’re essentially looking for someone who eats innings and gives you a chance to win. For the most part, Shields does just that.

The Padres are on the hook for $11 million of the remaining $21 million so if Chicago eats a little bit of the remaining salary it should still work for Oakland. Shields isn’t the head-turner he once was but as far as back end of the rotation depth guys goes he’s pretty solid.

This move would be slightly more costly than the other two mentioned so far, but not by much. By no means do you have to worry about giving up a top-10 prospect for half a season of James Shields.