The Athletics are slashing payroll this off season and Matt Olsen is the fuel for their fire sale. Trade talks involving first baseman Olson are heating up but Billy Beans asking price is not just sky high but “shooting for the moon” according to MLB Network’s Jon Heyman. Olson is the team’s top trade chip, an All-Star and two time Gold Glove winner. Who also has two years of team control remaining. Both the Red Sox and Yankees immediately jump to mind as potential landing spots.
A’s said to be “shooting for the moon,” in early Matt Olson trade talks. Can’t blame em. 39 HR. .911 OPS. 5.8 WAR. 2 years ‘til free agency. — Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) November 20, 2021
Boston had a logjam at first base in the second half of last season with young slugger Bobby Dalbec – JD Martinez and Kyle Schwarber all vying for at bats with really just two positions they can all reasonably play. First Base and DH. Martinez has opted back into his deal but Kyle Schwarber opted out and for free agency. leaving a big bat hole that the Lefty swinging Olsen could fill nicely.
The rub is three fold.
Bobby Dalbec adjusted & improved immensely in the 2nd half… 1H: .219/.264/.409, 10 HR, 4.7 BB%, 36.8 K%, 257 PA 2H: .269/.344/.611, 15 HR, 8.2 BB%, 31.2 K%, 195 PA Aug-Oct: .288, 28.7 K% Ks will always be an issue, but he could hit .250+ with 30+ HR.#FantasyBaseball #RedSox pic.twitter.com/JU9LHPQgcz — Eric Cross (@EricCross04) November 20, 2021
How much would it cost to bring back Kyle Schwarber? Who is beloved by the guys in the club house and the fans who pack Fenway.
Do the Red Sox see Dalbec as an every day first basemen? Did he improve enough in the second half of the season to cement his place in the order and at first.
JD Martinez has a limited no trade clause in his contract. That allows him to block three unnamed teams the Sox can not deal him too.
Multiple teams are interested in Kyle Schwarber but as of right now the Red Sox are seen as the favorites. (Audacy) — Boston Strong (@BostonStrong_34) November 15, 2021
Moves Need to be Made
The Sox badly need to upgrade their defense. Not only at first but around the infield. Dalbec would be a perfect starting piece in any trade offer sent to Oakland. Would adding the likes of Jarren Duran and a top pitching prospect be enough for the “ Moon shooting “ soon to be relocating A’s ? I’m not sure. Could the Sox move JD in this or another deal and bring back Schwarber ? inquiring minds want to know. Will Bloom work him into a deal with Oakland? Or more likely move him to another team to keep his fam system stocked. or ride it out w JD and forgo 3 plus years of production in not bringing back Schwarber?
Let me know what you think in the comments section below or you can give me Grief on Twitter @Tmurph207