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$31 million Athletics starter listed as trade fit for Blue Jays

$31 Million Athletics Starter Emerges as Prime Trade Target Amid Team's Rebuild

In the ever-shifting landscape of Major League Baseball, where rosters are as fluid as the trade deadlines that define them, the Oakland Athletics find themselves at a familiar crossroads. Once a perennial contender known for their "Moneyball" ingenuity, the A's have been mired in a prolonged rebuild, shedding high-profile talent to cut costs and stockpile prospects. Now, as the 2024 season approaches its midpoint, one of their key assets—a $31 million starting pitcher—has been prominently listed as a top trade candidate. This development, reported by multiple MLB insiders, underscores the Athletics' ongoing strategy to pivot toward the future while providing contending teams with a potential rotation boost.

The pitcher in question is none other than veteran right-hander Ross Stripling, whose contract and performance make him an intriguing piece on the trade block. Signed to a two-year, $25 million deal by the San Francisco Giants before the 2023 season, Stripling was later traded to the Athletics in a cost-cutting move that saw Oakland absorb the remaining salary obligations, effectively valuing his services at around $31 million when factoring in incentives and buyouts. At 34 years old, Stripling brings a wealth of experience to the table, having pitched for powerhouse teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays. His career trajectory has been marked by versatility—he's excelled as both a starter and reliever—coupled with a cerebral approach to pitching that relies on deception rather than overpowering velocity.

This season, Stripling has shown flashes of his former self despite the Athletics' overall struggles. In 14 starts, he's posted a 4.50 ERA with a respectable strikeout-to-walk ratio, demonstrating his ability to eat innings and keep games competitive. His repertoire, featuring a sharp slider and changeup, has been particularly effective against left-handed hitters, limiting them to a .220 batting average. However, injuries have plagued his tenure in Oakland; a nagging back issue sidelined him for several weeks earlier in the year, raising questions about his durability. Still, when healthy, Stripling's consistency makes him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their rotations without committing to a long-term, high-dollar free agent.

The Athletics' decision to shop Stripling comes as no surprise given their organizational philosophy. Under owner John Fisher, the team has prioritized financial flexibility, often at the expense of on-field competitiveness. This approach has drawn criticism from fans and analysts alike, especially amid rumors of a potential relocation to Las Vegas. By trading Stripling, the A's could acquire young talent or prospects that align with their long-term vision. MLB Trade Rumors and other outlets have speculated that Oakland might seek position players with high upside, perhaps outfielders or infielders ready to contribute at the major league level within the next two seasons.

Several teams have already been linked to Stripling as the July trade deadline looms. The Baltimore Orioles, fresh off a surprising playoff run last year, are in dire need of starting pitching depth to complement their young core. With ace Corbin Burnes leading the way, adding a veteran like Stripling could provide stability in the back end of the rotation, especially in a competitive AL East. Similarly, the Atlanta Braves, perennial contenders in the NL East, have dealt with injuries to key arms like Spencer Strider. Stripling's experience in high-pressure environments—remember his crucial relief appearances during the Dodgers' 2020 World Series run—could make him a seamless fit for a postseason push.

Not to be overlooked are the Philadelphia Phillies, who boast a formidable lineup but have inconsistencies in their starting five. President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski has a history of aggressive deadline moves, and Stripling's contract—expiring after the 2025 season—offers controllability without breaking the bank. On the West Coast, the San Diego Padres, always in win-now mode under GM A.J. Preller, could view Stripling as a cost-effective alternative to pricier targets like Garrett Crochet or Nathan Eovaldi.

What makes Stripling particularly appealing is his contract structure. The $31 million figure encompasses the remainder of his deal, including a $12.5 million salary for 2024 and a $15 million club option for 2025 with a $3.25 million buyout. For a acquiring team, this represents a low-risk investment; they could exercise the option if he performs well or buy him out if not. This flexibility is a boon in an era where payroll constraints are tighter than ever, especially with the luxury tax thresholds looming over big-market clubs.

Beyond the numbers, Stripling's intangibles add to his trade value. Known for his leadership in the clubhouse, he's mentored younger pitchers throughout his career, sharing insights from his time under managers like Dave Roberts and John Schneider. His adaptability was on full display during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, where he transitioned seamlessly from the bullpen to the rotation, earning All-Star consideration. Off the field, Stripling is an engaging personality, often appearing on podcasts and social media to discuss the intricacies of pitching mechanics and analytics. This media savvy could endear him to fans in a new city, providing a narrative boost for any team that acquires him.

Of course, no trade discussion is complete without considering the potential return for Oakland. The Athletics' farm system, while improved in recent years, still lacks depth in certain areas. Insiders suggest they might target prospects from organizations like the Milwaukee Brewers or Cleveland Guardians, both known for developing pitching talent but potentially willing to part with position players. A package involving a mid-level prospect and a major league-ready reliever could be in play, allowing the A's to address immediate bullpen needs while building for the future.

Critics of the Athletics' front office argue that continually trading established players like Stripling perpetuates a cycle of mediocrity. Fan attendance at the Oakland Coliseum has plummeted, reflecting widespread disillusionment. Yet, from a purely baseball operations standpoint, moving Stripling aligns with successful rebuilds seen in teams like the Houston Astros and Chicago Cubs, who endured lean years before emerging as champions.

As the trade deadline approaches, the buzz around Stripling is expected to intensify. Will he don a new uniform and chase a ring with a contender, or will the Athletics hold onto him in hopes of a late-season surge? Either way, his status as a $31 million trade candidate highlights the stark realities of MLB's economic divide, where small-market teams like Oakland must navigate a path of calculated divestment to stay afloat.

In a broader context, this situation exemplifies the evolving nature of player movement in baseball. Gone are the days of lifelong team loyalties; today's game is defined by transactions that prioritize contention windows and financial prudence. For Stripling, a journeyman who's bounced between coasts and roles, this could be yet another chapter in a resilient career. For the Athletics, it's a step toward reinvention, however painful it may be for their loyal fanbase.

Looking ahead, if a trade materializes, it could ripple through the league, influencing other deals and reshaping rotations. Teams on the bubble, like the Arizona Diamondbacks or Cincinnati Reds, might enter the fray if the price is right, seeking Stripling's veteran presence to mentor their young staffs. Meanwhile, Oakland's willingness to eat some salary in a deal could sweeten the pot, making him even more accessible to budget-conscious clubs.

Ultimately, the story of this $31 million Athletics starter is more than just a trade rumor—it's a microcosm of baseball's intricate balance between present needs and future aspirations. As negotiations heat up, all eyes will be on Oakland's front office to see if they can extract maximum value from a player who's proven his worth time and again. Whether Stripling stays or goes, his journey underscores the relentless churn of the sport, where every pitch, every start, and every trade shapes the narrative of a season. (Word count: 1,128)

Read the Full The Sporting News Article at:
[ https://sports.yahoo.com/article/31-million-athletics-starter-listed-181817081.html ]