The Oakland Athletics’ impressive roster overhaul continued Saturday, as they announced a trade to acquire Ben Zobrist and Yunel Escobar from the Tampa Bay Rays:
Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle initially reported the news, as Tampa Bay acquired catcher John Jaso, top-flight shortstop prospect Daniel Robertson and minor leaguer Boog Powell:
The 33-year-old Zobrist is the biggest name in this deal. A two-time All-Star, Zobrist brings versatility as both a switch-hitter and a player who’s thrived in the outfield, at second base and at shortstop.
Rotoworld’s Patrick Daugherty weighed in on how Zobrist will fit in Oakland:
Per ESPN.com, Zobrist had WAR ratings of 8.3 and 8.5 in 2009 and 2011, respectively, which accentuates just how valuable he can be. Meanwhile, Escobar is a serviceable everyday shortstop who brings more veteran presence to a rather young A’s roster.
Though Oakland will get an immediate uptick in performance from the trade, the Rays loaded up on some promising prospects who should help in the long term.
Tampa Bay landed a 2012 first-round pick in Robertson, who had an impressive 2014 campaign for Class A Stockton, and Powell batted .343 in the minor leagues last year (h/t MILB.com). That adds two potential bats for the future to a team that was 27th in runs scored last MLB season.
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