Report: Athletics' Lawrie, Valencia on trade block
The Oakland Athletics are always one of the most active teams in trade talks, and this offseason is no exception.
Infielders Brett Lawrie and Danny Valencia are drawing trade interest from American League teams, the San Francisco Chronicle's Susan Slusser reports.
The acquisition of Jed Lowrie from the Houston Astros on Wednesday ensures either Lawrie or Valencia will be traded before the first pitch flies in April, Slusser speculates. Lawrie, who can play second and third base, is the more likely of the two to be traded, as he is projected to start at second for the Athletics next season with Marcus Semien assuming the everyday shortstop role.
Related: A's re-acquire Lowrie in trade with Astros
Lawrie is second-year arbitration eligible and won't become a free agent until 2018. He hit .260/.299/.407 with a career-high 16 homers and 60 RBIs in 149 games for Oakland last season after being acquired in a blockbuster trade with Toronto that sent Josh Donaldson to the Blue Jays.
Valencia hasn't played in a full-time role since 2011, but excels against left-handed pitching. The third baseman slashed .298/.376/.458 in 131 at-bats against southpaws in 2015.
Athletics general manager David Forst has already had a busy fall. He traded right-hander Jesse Chavez to the Blue Jays for Liam Hendriks, signed left-hander Rich Hill to a one-year, $6-million deal, and claimed outfielder Andrew Lambo off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates to this point.