Braves and A's Could Ignite MLB With This Surprise Trade for Chad Pinder

With the MLB news cycle drier than ever as a result of the coronavirus outbreak, there's really no excuse for general managers around the league -- who have more time than ever on their hands -- not to brainstorm potential trades to bolster their rosters before play resumes.

As recently as December, the Oakland Athletics were rumored to be fielding trade offers for utility man Chad Pinder. We don't see why that should change, and the Atlanta Braves should jump at the opportunity to acquire the 28-year-old.

The Braves need a versatile infielder in the worst way, and that could see Oakland ask for a promising young prospect or two. Over the last two seasons, Pinder has smacked a combined 26 home runs and 74 RBI. Those numbers won't jump off the screen, but they are pretty solid for a role player who regularly came off the bench (he played a total of 234 games over that span).

Atlanta could send left-hander Tucker Davidson, the club's No. 10 prospect, per MLB.com, as well as No. 18 prospect, right-hander Victor Vodnik to the A's, who need young pitching.

The Athletics have a pretty stacked infield comprised of Marcus Semien, Matt Chapman and Matt Olsen, so trading Pinder makes all the sense in the world. In return, Oakland would get two young hurlers.

Atlanta, meanwhile, would receive a needed slugging utility infielder at a reasonable price without losing any of its top youngsters.