Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Numerous trade rumors have been surrounding the Oakland Athletics as the trade deadline approaches. There has been talk about trading Scott Kazmir and Stephen Vogt, and there have even been some whispers about trading right fielder Josh Reddick. However, the newest gossip to hit the rumor mill is the idea of the Athletics trading infield utility man Ben Zobrist.
Over the past few days, it has become very clear that the Chicago Cubs are going to pursue Zobrist. The Cubs want the utility man because he would provide some depth on their bench for multiple positions. However, Oakland should not consider trading Zobrist for multiple reasons.
Even though Zobrist was on the disabled list for most of May, he was able to recover quickly from his knee surgery and has already made an impact since being back in the lineup. Last night against the Detroit Tigers, he hit a grand slam, which ultimately helped the A’s win the game. Additionally, now that Zobrist is healthy, he will boost the defense in the middle infield and provide some extra depth in other positions around the diamond.
Zobrist was a top-of-the-line acquisition this offseason. The only issue is that he will be a free agent at the end of this year, and the Athletics will probably not be able to afford him for 2016. However, if Oakland has any chance of making it to the postseason, they are going to need Zobrist’s bat in the lineup and his veteran defensive skills in the field. It would just be a shame to trade him before the deadline — especially since he has only played in a total of 21 games in Green and Gold this season.
If GM Billy Beane is considering trading Zobrist, he will have to know for sure that the team is not going to make it to the postseason. So, it is likely a decision regarding Zobrist will not be made until right before July 31. However, due to his injury, Zobrist has yet to really show what he can do for the A’s. They should definitely keep him just in case a postseason run lies ahead in their future.
Samantha Riley is an Oakland Athletics writer for www.RantSports.com. You can follow her on twitter @Riless22.
