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Because the Oakland Athletics have played so poorly this season, it is expected that they will be sellers at the trade deadline rather than buyers. Most believe that a trade involving Scott Kazmir is imminent, since he will be a free agent after this season and it is unlikely the Athletics will be able to afford him in 2016. Many teams have also already expressed interest in this All-Star pitcher. However, Oakland should consider trading catcher Stephen Vogt instead.
Vogt should be a hot commodity leading up to the trade deadline for numerous reasons. He has been great offensively this season, with 10 homers and 33 RBIs already. He is currently batting .313 with a 1.008 OPS, which is the fourth-best OPS in the American League.
Additionally, he has proven that he can be a starting catcher. Vogt has come a long way from starting the 2014 season in the minor leagues to being the Athletics’ everyday catcher this year. He has been great behind the plate, and all of the pitchers have complimented Vogt at some point or another on his ability to call a game.
He is also versatile, proving he’s more than just a catcher. Last year’s foot injury gave him the opportunity to prove his adaptability when it came to playing other positions in the field. He proved he can play at first base like he successfully did last night against the Detroit Tigers and in the outfield.
It would be disappointing for the Athletics to lose such a great catcher, but a trade involving Vogt will allow the Athletics to acquire some quality players to fill holes in the bullpen and dugout without having to give up their All-Star pitcher. With starting pitchers Jarrod Parker and A.J. Griffin not coming back anytime soon, Oakland needs Kazmir’s talent in the rotation if they want even the slightest chance of making it to the postseason.
Additionally, the Athletics only have one healthy left-handed pitcher in the bullpen and he has not been performing well at all this season. They could also use some backup middle infielders in the dugout. Even though Vogt is on the older side and is not such a desired asset as Kazmir, this late-bloomer’s recent and potential future success with the guarantee of a low salary since he will not reach arbitration till 2017 could be used as leverage in a trade.
Lastly, backup rookie catcher Josh Phegley has proven that he has the skills to be great behind the plate. Even though his bat may lack some power, he has been outstanding defensively. Last night against Detroit, Phegley threw out three Tigers trying to steal second. There is also the potential that Phegley’s bat will get better as he gains more experience in MLB since he was better offensively in the minor leagues.
Oakland may not get as much in return if they trade Vogt instead of Kazmir, but they could still get quality players to fill some specific needs. In the end, it would be less of a blow to the team to lose Vogt over Kazmir before the trade deadline.
Samantha Riley is an Oakland Athletics writer for www.RantSports.com. You can follow her on twitter @Riless22.
