2 Dodgers-Athletics trade packages that could upend the entire offseason

The hot stove will be cranking somewhat soon, but for now we’re living in the world of speculation. That’s what makes the offseason fun, anyway.

For the Los Angeles Dodgers, a ton of heavy lifting has to get done with so many key players hitting free agency (plus a likely legal battle with Trevor Bauer that will determine money being freed up or thrown away). You already know who the team is in danger of losing.

But who can they add when, inevitably, some of these guys depart? For example, Max Scherzer, Chris Taylor and Corey Seager are hardly locks to return. Is Clayton Kershaw retiring? What’s a reunion with Kenley Jansen going to look like?

It’s complicated. Thankfully, the Oakland Athletics and Billy Beane have commenced a fire sale which unofficially began once manager Bob Melvin left for the San Diego Padres. This is a development that could greatly help the Dodgers make a number of additions without having to dip deeper into their wallet.

It’ll require prospects and some talent on the MLB roster, but the Dodgers can escape here without surrendering core pieces while also being able to make the A’s happy. These teams have matched up to make trades many times before, so let’s explore how it could work out this offseason.

These two Dodgers-Athletics trade packages could set offseason on fire.

2. Matt Chapman, Sean Manaea and Lou Trivino for Gavin Lux, AJ Pollock, Ryan Pepiot, Andre Jackson and Clayton Beeter

No, we’re not displacing Justin Turner here. We’re just assuming the universal DH is on the way so he can shift to that role to preserve his health after suffering a troubling hamstring injury in the NLCS.

Importing A’s third baseman Matt Chapman wouldn’t necessarily mean JT is done playing third forever, either. Can’t you see a situation where Chapman is getting 30 DH games? Remember, the baseball season is a marathon, not a sprint, and if the Dodgers can find a way to split reps here to benefit all parties, that’s a win. And it’s exactly what manager Dave Roberts likes to do.

As for the others, the Dodgers need starters and relievers. We’ve heard Sean Manaea will be available, and that’s a no-brainer for the Dodgers. He’s another lefty who just had a career season. He’d be a great addition behind Walker Buehler, Julio Urías and whoever else is added to make up the top three (hopefully Scherzer/Kershaw).

Then we have reliever Lou Trivino, but we’re not sure of his availability. For a rebuilding A’s team, though, it probably won’t be hard to convince them to throw their closer into the mix since, well, he’d be of little use.

In return, the A’s get Gavin Lux, who they can use at second base until shortstop Elvis Andrus likely departs after 2022; AJ Pollock and some salary relief for his $13 million price tag ($3 million?); and a trio of top pitching prospects in Ryan Pepiot (No. 2), Andre Jackson (No. 7) and Clayton Beeter (No. 9).

That too pricey for you? Well, you’re getting two years of control of Chapman and three of Trivino. Manaea will be a free agent after 2022. But you get rid of Pollock and his salary and can make room for another acquisition while freeing up some of that cash to match the inheritance here (total of ~$23 million).

All the Dodgers have to do is focus on pitching in the draft and international free agency. When have they steered wrong?

1. Matt Olson, Chris Bassitt and Jake Diekman for Dustin May, Tony Gonsolin, Zach McKinstry, Bobby Miller and Jacob Amaya

This one would require a bit more shifting. If the Dodgers were to acquire Matt Olson, he takes over first base without a doubt. Then maybe Max Muncy moves to second base and splits DH duties with Justin Turner? This, of course, is assuming Corey Seager leaves, since Trea Turner would likely be at shortstop. So let’s pretend that’s the scenario.

Olson at first, Muncy at second/DH, Turner a shortstop and Turner at third base/DH. Gavin Lux can fill in at second base when Muncy and Turner DH since Muncy can play some third base as well. Not ideal, but also not crazy! And you’re getting two years of control with Olson, who is coming off his best season in the bigs (153 OPS+ with 39 bombs and 111 RBI … with Gold Glove defense).

Next up, starter Chris Bassitt, who would be another formidable depth option behind the aforementioned rotation pieces. He’s entering his age-33 season but is coming off a career year that saw him earn an All-Star nod (12-4, 3.15 ERA and 130 ERA+). Bassitt was a name that came up in regard to the A’s being willing to “listen.”

And finally, one more relief arm in Jake Diekman, who has a $4 million team option (or $750K buyout) that the A’s would first have to exercise. Wouldn’t they prefer to keep him on board and get value for him rather than chuck three quarters of a mil into the garbage? Diekman, a lefty, is a strikeout machine (581 Ks in 456 career innings) and owns a 3.25 ERA and 128 ERA+ in 116 games with the A’s since 2019.

The downside here for LA? Bassitt and Diekman will be free agents after 2022. However, they’re taking more money off the A’s hands here (~$25 million), giving them value for a player they might’ve considered letting hit free agency, and possibly getting a franchise first baseman in Olson with Muncy’s contract potentially over after 2022 (he has a team option they’ll likely pick up for 2023).

In return, the A’s get Dustin May, who’s working his way back from Tommy John but has a high ceiling; Tony Gonsolin, who could easily eat innings with the A’s after the Dodgers relegated him to the bullpen with the Trevor Bauer signing; Zach McKinstry, who has the potential to be an above-average utility player; pitching prospect Bobby Miller (No. 4 in the Dodgers’ system); and shortstop prospect Jacob Amaya (No. 14).

Here, the A’s are getting a mixture of proven MLB talent and a couple of prospects at Double-A that could be making an impact sooner than later. To be safe, for both of these packages, don’t be surprised if another top-20 prospect is tossed in given how productive these six Athletics players have been for the past few years.

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