A’s retooling continues with trade for Ben Zobrist and Yunel Escobar
Just when we think we have the answers, Billy Beane changes the questions. The Oakland A’s general manager continued what would be best described as an aggressive and sometimes confusing retooling of his major league roster on Saturday by agreeing to acquire Ben Zobrist and Yunel Escobar from the Tampa Bay Rays.
Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle was the first to report a deal was nearing. The New York Post’s Joel Sherman filled in the first blank, noting that veteran catcher John Jaso will be headed to the Rays. Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal adds that Oakland’s top shortstop prospect Daniel Robertson and outfielder Boog Powell are included as well.
After trading big pieces like Josh Donaldson, Brandon Moss and Jeff Samardzija this offseason, it was easy to draw the conclusion that Beane was looking to rebuild his roster. Current outfielder Josh Reddick even jumped to that conclusion immediately following the stunning Donaldson trade to the Toronto Blue Jays. However, the signing of Billy Butler to a three-year, $30 million contract that precluded all of those deals probably should have tipped us off.
Beane had a plan. A plan that became necessary after he went all-in to win the World Series in 2014, acquiring Samardzija, Jason Hammel and later Jon Lester, but ultimately fell short. He knew the plan might not make sense after steps one, two, three and even four. But he knew his payroll couldn’t support the weight, and he knew he needed to turn some assets into depth if he hoped to make another run in 2015.
Several steps later, his plan is taking shape. He’s done a very effective job retooling within his means, but that won’t guarantee success in a strong AL West.
As for this trade specifically, the additions of Zobrist and Escobar complete a total overhaul of Oakland’s infield. Out are Moss (trade), Eric Sogard (bench), Jed Lowrie (signed with Houston) and Donaldson (trade). In are Butler and Ike Davis, who was acquired from Pittsburgh, Zobrist, Escobar and Brett Lawrie, who came over in the Donaldson deal.
Zobrist, who turns 34 in May, brings some consistency on offense and versatility on defense. Over the past four seasons, he’s hit between .269 and .275. His matching .354 OBPs over the past two seasons also match his career number. The home run totals have fallen off, but they’ll sacrifice that for a guy who can play both middle infield positions and the outfield.
With a reasonable $7.5 million salary in 2015, many are pointing out that Zobrist could be a good trade chip as well if Oakland fails to contend.
Escobar, 32, is a straight up shortstop with limited upside. He hit .258/.324/.340 in 529 plate appearances with the Rays in 2014, which is in line with recent seasons and acceptable for his position, but his drop-off defensively should be concerning. If that continues in Oakland, he may not add much to their cause.
On the other side, the Rays have done their share of retooling as well following the departure of general manager Andrew Friedman and manager Joe Maddon. They, too, aren’t throwing in the towel completely after recently inking Asbrudal Cabrera to a one-year deal, but they’re definitely cutting payroll with an eye likely more focused on the future.
Such is life for team’s in “small markets,” but history suggests both organizations will find ways to remain relevant despite their changing plans.
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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Townie813
