Pittsburgh Pirates: Five Potential Trade Partners for Tyler Anderson

Oakland Athletics

For a team off to a 14-8 start and with a 1 game lead on a highly competitive American League West, the Oakland A’s starting rotation has not been a very inspiring group of pitchers. Among their starting five only Sean Manaea and Cole Irvin have an ERA south of 4.00. In 23.2 innings, Manaea has a 3.03 ERA, 3.52 FIP and 1.18 WHIP. Irvin on the other hand has a solid 3.86 ERA, 3.57 IFP and 1.28 WHIP in 21 innings.

However, Chris Bassitt, Frankie Montas and Jesus Luzardo all have ERA’s north of 4.00. Luzardo and Montas have ERA’s above 5.00 and the ladder even has an ERA above 6.00. It also doesn’t help that long-awaited prospect, A.J. Puk is extremely injury-prone and is on the injured list once again. All told, A’s starters have combined for a 4.58 ERA, 3.96 FIP and 1.38 WHIP.

They have the 10th worst ERA and 7th worst WHIP. The A’s 22.2% strikeout rate is tied with the Toronto Blue Jays for the 10th worst mark in baseball, and their 1.23 HR/9 rate ranks 15th in baseball. They do have a workable 4.58 xFIP and 4.13 SIERA but lack another stable option behind Manaea.

While the A’s bullpen has helped them out, getting a durable rotation arm who can give them 5 innings every 5 days is something a team in the hunt for a division title in a very competitive division needs.