3 Players the A's Should Target to Replace Suspended Frankie Montas
By Ryan Flores
On Friday, Oakland Athletics ace Frankie Montas was suspended for 80 games due to testing positive for a banned substance, which derailed his breakout season. Not only did it affect Montas, but it also affected the Athletics, who are now stuck without an ace on the roster.
The A's have a tough choice to make, as they need to decide whether they should wait out the storm, or attempt to trade for a starter. Should the A's decide to buy at the deadline, here are three potential targets they should consider as a replacement for Montas.
3. Anibal Sanchez
If the Washington Nationals wind up being sellers at the trade deadline, then Oakland will most certainly inquire about Aníbal Sánchez. In 2019, he's posting a respectable 3.84 ERA, with 59 strikeouts in 65.2 innings pitched. Sánchez will be making $9 million next season, which the A's could look to trade during the offseason if they don't want to be on the hook for that money.
2. Tanner Roark
Tanner Roark is likely not a pitcher the Cincinnati Reds will move forward with in the future, as he doesn't fit the same timeline as the rest of the Reds core. The 32-year-old hurler has just one year left on his deal, so he likely won't have a steep price tag attached to him, which will make him attractive to Oakland. On the year, Roark has a 3.47 ERA with 81 strikeouts in 80.1 innings pitched, and could provide some stability in the rotation until Jesus Luzardo is ready.
1. Matt Boyd
In a recent article from Jim Bowden, he outlined a Matt Boyd deal to the Philadelphia Phillies where they don't have to give up a single top-100 prospect for the potential All-Star. It's possible the Athletics could pull off a similar deal, and they should if it's possible. Oakland could be dreaming of a future rotation of Jesus Luzardo, Sean Manaea, Frankie Montas, A.J. Puk and Matt Boyd, which is very enticing.