Athletics Winter Sale Pickups

Post date: Apr 3, 2017 6:41:30 PM

Lefty Chris Sale came to Philly in a 2017 Winter Meetings deal with Las Vegas

The Philadelphia Athletics swung a handful of deals at the 2017 Winter Meetings, including one that brought in a true ace pitcher. In a deal with the Las Vegas High Rollers, the A's acquired lefty ace Chris Sale along with three first round Minors Draft choices. One of those picks is the first overall in the coming 2017 WFBL Amateur Draft. The club also acquired the 11th overall pick this year, and Vegas' top pick in the 2020 Amateur Draft.

In exchange, heading out to the desert are pitchers Julio Teheran, Robert Gsellman, and Joe Musgrove, and top prospect 3rd baseman Rafael Devers.

"When we came here, our primary goals were to add at least one true ace starting pitcher, and to upgrade ourselves at the shortstop position," said GM Matt Veasey. "I think that we've accomplished both."

The shortstop came in a trade with the division rival New York Knights. The A's sent lefty starting pitcher Martin Perez to the Big Apple in exchange for Jean Segura. In a third deal, starting pitcher Alex Cobb returns to Philly in exchange for prospects Jahmai Jones and Nick Niedert, as well as a 2nd round Minors pick this year. "If Cobb proves healthy, which all indications are that he will be, then we added a legitimate #2-caliber starting pitcher as well," said Veasey.

On the final two days, three more pitchers were added to the mix, at least two of whom can be expected to become regular 2017 rotation options. Left-hander Danny Duffy and right-hander Josh Tomlin arrived in separate trades from Portland and Boston respectively. A 3-player package led by relievers Shawn Kelley and Mauricio Cabrera went west, while two Majors Draft picks went to Beantown. Also, the A's sent a future Minors Draft pick to Rayne in order to bring in pitcher Zach Eflin, a former A's prospect who is returning from injury, and who is likely to begin the year in the Minors.

"Our rotation should open 2017 with many more legitimate options than we had a year ago, and our bullpen should include at least a couple of true closing options. We believe that we have significantly upgraded our club," said Veasey.