There’s a glut of 1B/DH/OF types in Oakland (and quite frankly, in Cleveland too), and one of those players seems likely to be moved this winter. The A’s are talking to the Cleveland Indians about Brandon Moss, and the Tribe is “optimistic” that a deal will get done between the two clubs.
#Indians guardedly optimistic that trade for Oakland's Brandon Moss will get done. Timetable to be determined.
— paul hoynes (@hoynsie) December 4, 2014
The 31-year old Moss hit .234/.334/.438 with 25 homers in 2014. A year ago, he hit 30 homers in just 505 plate appearances. Moss is under team control for two more years, and MLBTR projects him to make $7.1 million in 2015.
The Indians, of course, have plenty of players similar to Moss. Carlos Santana can play both corner infield positions and catch. Nick Swisher can play first and (allegedly) the corner outfield spots. Of course, Cleveland also has an awesome catcher to force Santana off position (Yan Gomes) and four outfielders (excluding Swisher) due a total of roughly $28 million in 2015.
If they bring in Moss, they’ll likely have to eat the $2.6 million owed to Ryan Raburn (not a big deal) or try to move the $30 million owed to Swisher, the $27.5 million owed to Michael Bourn, or the $6.5 million owed to David Murphy.
They could also consider what would be a nuclear option, trading Carlos Santana, but he’s guaranteed just $15.85 million through 2017 with a $12 million club option in 2017 – that’s one hell of a movable asset.
