The Texas Rangers have sent starting pitcher Mike Minor to the Oakland Athletics in a move that leaves no return on the table. While Minor has struggled in 2020, The Athletics have acquired him for two player to be named later’s (PTBNL’s), which should not be surprising. Given the circumstances of the 2020 season, these kinds of deadline deals will not be uncommon.
The Oakland A’s have acquired left-hander Mike Minor from the Texas Rangers for two players to be named later, sources tell ESPN. A’s needed rotation help and get it with a trade for Minor, who’s a free agent after this season.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) August 31, 2020
The Athletics brought in Minor with the hopes that he can be considered a cheap and effective way to boost their rotation. They are looking to make another postseason run in 2020, and bringing in Minor may help that. Minor has struggled in 2020, but a new home could trigger a reset for the left-handed pitcher who could be an asset to the Athletics pitching staff.
In 2020, Minor has made seven starts, producing an ugly 0-5 record with a 5.60 ERA, a 1.36 WHIP, while striking out 35 hitters over 35.1 innings pitched. He is coming off of an all-star season where he received Cy Young votes. The Athletics were in on Mike Clevinger from the Indians, who was recently shipped off to the San Diego Padres.
Something to note about this deal is the inclusion of two PTBNL’s. This is most likely because players who are not listed in the 60-man player pool are not eligible to be traded in-season. This means someone who was a Single-A or Double-A prospect that did not make the 60-man player pool will most likely be a PTBNL sent somewhere after the season ends.
