After years of trading away their top talent, the Oakland Athletics will not be having a “huge sale” at the trade deadline. It’s the end of an era in Oakland. Not only are they (temporarily) moving to Sacramento, but for the first time in recent memory, the Athletics will not have a trade deadline firesale.
Athletics Showing Restraint: No Deadline Firesale Expected
The New York Post’s Jon Heyman reports that the A’s are “reluctant” to trade star outfielders Brent Rooker and JJ Bleday. Oakland’s other major trade chip, All-Star closer Mason Miller, remains sidelined with a finger fracture, diminishing the chances of a significant trade being made. While the Athletics are not playoff contenders this year, they did just secure their first winning month in two years. So, it’s no surprise that the A’s are reluctant to part with several key players on their roster.
A’s are telling teams they are reluctant to trade Brent Rooker (.948 OPS) or JJ Bleday (30 doubles). With progress being made and 103.7-mph closer Mason Miller on the shelf, it doesn’t look like a huge sale for them
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 27, 2024
Athletics “Reluctant” to Trade Star Players At The Deadline
In July, Oakland is 13-7, and with the All-Star break and two off days next week, they have four games remaining. The A’s offense has been rolling this month, leading the way in runs scored (134), homers (40), and OPS (.866). Meanwhile, a .349 on-base percentage ranks second in the majors, and a .276 batting average ranks fourth.
Brent Rooker has been a big part of Oakland’s offensive surge. Going into Saturday, the 29-year-old carries a .389 average with 10 homers, 21 runs, and 25 RBI since July 1st. On the season, Rooker is slashing .288/.365/.583 with 25 homers and a .948 OPS over 91 games. His counterpart, JJ Bleday, is the American League doubles leader (30), while his 104 games played lead the majors. Rooker and Bleday have drawn significant interest from teams looking to upgrade their outfield. Before acquiring veteran outfielder Austin Hays on Friday, the Phillies were rumored to be “keeping an eye” on Rooker. All-Star closer Mason Miller and his 103.7-mph heater have drawn interest from almost every contender.
Still, despite the interest and the potential returns, barring an unrefusable offer, Rooker, Bleday, and Miller will wake up Wednesday as a member of the Oakland Athletics. While they are still last in the AL West, the Athletics have been fun to watch this season. With this being their last season at the Oakland Coliseum, the A’s just are not ready to move on from that excitement yet.
Main Photo Credits: D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports
