The Oakland Athletics and the San Francisco Giants, two Bay Area teams, made a trade on Friday that had been in the works for months. Executives David Forst and Farhan Zaidi, who have a long-standing friendship and previously worked together in Oakland, orchestrated the deal.
The Athletics, who have struggled in recent years with a total of 214 losses in the past two seasons, were determined to strengthen their rotation. As part of the trade, Oakland acquired two experienced pitchers who were starters for the Giants last season.
Left-hander Alex Wood, a free agent, agreed to a one-year contract worth $8.5 million with the Athletics. The deal also included the acquisition of right-hander Ross Stripling, with the Giants contributing $3.25 million towards his salary. Both pitchers are expected to have a significant role in Oakland's rotation.
Forst, the general manager of the Athletics, expressed his optimism about the trade and the impact it will have on the team's pitching staff. 'It's fair to say those four guys come in with a good shot and a good spot in the rotation,' he stated.
The trade between the two Bay Area teams was unique because Forst and Zaidi, who now serves as the President of Baseball Operations for the Giants, have a strong professional relationship. Forst highlighted the advantages of working with someone he trusts and knows well, emphasizing the ease of making trades under such circumstances.
Wood, 33, had pitched for the Giants in the past three seasons. In 2023, he achieved a 4.33 ERA with a 5-5 record in 29 appearances, including 12 starts. His contract with the Athletics also includes $1 million in possible performance bonuses.
Stripling, 34, had a challenging season in 2023, finishing with a 5.35 ERA and an 0-5 record over 22 outings, including 11 starts. However, he brings eight seasons of major league experience to the table, having previously played for the Los Angeles Angels, Toronto Blue Jays, and the Giants.
The A's offseason has mainly consisted of one-year contracts and trades, likely due to the uncertainty surrounding their future home beyond 2024. With their lease at the Coliseum set to expire, the team is preparing for a relocation to Las Vegas. Forst revealed that he had discussed two-year deals with potential players earlier in the offseason, but the focus shifted towards shorter contracts and trades.
The addition of Stripling and Wood not only strengthens Oakland's rotation but also benefits the team due to their familiarity with each other and the Bay Area. Forst mentioned that the chemistry between the two pitchers played a role in the decision to bring them on board.
In order to clear space on the 40-man roster, the Athletics outrighted left-handed pitcher Francisco Perez to Triple-A Las Vegas and designated infielder Jonah Bride for assignment.
This trade marks a significant move for both teams involved and could have a considerable impact on their respective rotations. As the 2024 season approaches, the Athletics and the Giants will be eager to see how these new additions perform on the mound.
