OAK / TB

[Athletics GM (Jared)]

Athletics send:
Frankie Montas, P (OAK) - protected
Daulton Jefferies, P (OAK) - milb
Brayan Buelvas, OF (OAK) - milb

to the Rays for:
Nolan Gorman, CI (StL) - milb


This fits with my strategy of turning usable mlb assets into high upside prospects. Gorman is not without some risk, but he has start potential and that's where I'm putting my money. Great talks with Bailey on this one.

[Rays GM (Bailey)]

Rays confirm.

I feel like I have a legit shot of competing this year, so my gut told me this trade was the way to go. I like Gorman a lot, but Jared sent me this offer yesterday and after spending a long time pondering it, I decided to accept. Looking at my depth chart, I could benefit from another SP. I tried landing at least 1 great starter in FA, but struck out several times. Before adding Montas, Wacha would be my SP5 going into 2020 - so I could use Montas. I think he has ace potential. He broke out in 2019, but was cut short due to a PED suspension. Then he looked solid again in 2020 before an injury derailed his season completely. I am hoping he bounces back in 2021, and is the pitcher I think he can be. Jefferies could make the Opening Day roster for the A’s too as the SP5 - he is a command guy so he should have a high floor if he stays healthy (big “if”). Then there is Buelvas, who I now have in 3 leagues. I feel like the sky's the limit for him - though he has a long way to go. I really didn’t think I would ever move Gorman, but considering we use AVG and strikeouts as two of the cats, he might weigh me down in that respect. While he would have been a HR machine for me 2 years from now, I am hopeful that Montas (and Jefferies) put me over the top immediately.

Nice working with Jared on this one - thanks for the smooth talks.