3 teams that need to make a trade with Cubs for Craig Kimbrel

Craig Kimbrel could make the A’s a postseason threat

While the Oakland Athletics feel like a postseason team once again, they need to make up ground in the AL West race to ensure themselves of avoiding the dreaded AL Wild Card game. Oakland has a 52-40 record at the All-Star Break but trails the Houston Astros by 3.5 games in the AL West race. If the season ended today, they would play at the Tampa Bay Rays in the AL Wild Card Game.

Oakland may already have an excellent closer in Lou Trivino, but augmenting the Athletics’ already strong bullpen could give them the boost they need to become a truly dominant team in the second half. If the Athletics have to play in a win-or-go-home scenario, having a fireballer like Kimbrel available to come in and give them a shutdown inning would be a huge get.

Because Oakland is a small-market franchise, Kimbrel would be a half-season rental if he was dealt to the Athletics. This potential move is all about positioning themselves to overtake the Astros in the divisional race, as well as being as deep as possible in the bullpen should the Athletics have to play in the AL Wild Card Game. Adding Kimbrel does make a ton of sense here.

It may only be for a few months, but Kimbrel can help the Athletics finally get to the World Series.