Red Sox-Athletics Trade? Three Oakland Players Who Could Interest Boston
The Oakland Athletics should be sellers as the trade deadline approaches on July 30, and with the Boston Red Sox potentially looking to add to their team, they could be looking at possible solutions in Oakland
The A’s are one of the worst teams in baseball, but the Red Sox are currently fighting to stay in the American League playoff race.
If Oakland decides to sell off pieces, who could Boston target?
Brent Rooker
The Red Sox need of a right-handed bat and Rooker could be the perfect solution.
While Oakland will most likely have a high asking price for the outfielder, his contract could jump out to Boston. Rooker is on a $775,000 salary and has arbitration eligibility for the next three seasons.
He has been overshadowed by relief pitcher Mason Miller this season, but Rooker has been a bright spot for the Athletics. In his fifth MLB season, he is batting .294 with a .372 on-base percentage, 22 home runs and 65 RBIs as of Saturday.
Rooker is ninth in all of MLB in on-base plus slugging, sitting at .951. It would take a lot to get him, but he could be a solid addition to the Red Sox lineup.
Mason Miller
The relief pitcher would require a large haul in return but he would add some youth to the Red Sox bullpen. Teams including the Los Angeles Dodgers and Baltimore Orioles are reportedly calling Oakland for Miller.
The 25-year-old is on a $785,000, one-year contract and is under club control through the 2029 season.
Miller was Oakland’s only player to be sent to the All-Star Game, and his season stats showed he deserved the honor. The right-hander has a 2.27 ERA in 39.2 innings pitched, allowing 10 runs over that time.
Miguel Andujar
Another right-handed bat that could pique Boston’s interest is Andujar.
While the Red Sox have an abundance of outfield talent, Andujar could also play first base or designated hitter. He is batting .296 with a .320 on-base percentage and 23 RBIs through 46 games.
The 29-year-old has dealt with a number of injuries but has shown off his talents when he is healthy. Andujar started his career with the rival New York Yankees, playing six seasons with them before moving to the Pittsburgh Pirates.