Trade Deadline Inbox: Will A's go all in?

If it’s Friday, it means two things: we’re officially one week closer to July 30, and it’s time for another edition of the Trade Deadline Inbox.

We’re six weeks from the aforementioned Deadline, though trade talk is heating up around the Majors.

As always, you can send me your trade-related questions on Twitter @feinsand.

(Some questions may be edited for clarity.)

If the A’s go into the All-Star break in first place with a multiple-game lead over Houston, do you see Billy Beane and David Forst going all in and getting a Nelson Cruz or Trevor Story? Maybe both? Add a veteran setup man or closer?
-- @roddster510

Oakland’s front office has a history of making deals when they see a chance to make a run, and based on what we have seen thus far, this year’s team could make some noise in the American League.

Elvis Andrus has come alive during the past three weeks, slashing .324/.387/.441 in his past 21 games through Wednesday. Still, the idea of replacing him with Story remains appealing, adding a proven middle-of-the-lineup bat for the final two or three months.

Cruz continues to defy the aging process, hitting 14 home runs with a .921 OPS through his first 59 games this season. The Twins are having a disastrous season and are almost a lock to be a seller, so Cruz -- who will be a free agent at the end of the season -- is likely to draw plenty of interest.

Oakland owns the fourth-best rotation ERA in the AL (3.78) as of Thursday, though the bullpen is in the middle of the pack (3.96) and has the fewest strikeouts of any relief corps in the league. A number of relievers will be on the move during the next six weeks, but names to watch include Taylor Rogers (Twins), Tanner Scott (Orioles), Ian Kennedy (Rangers), and Richard Rodriguez and Chasen Shreve (Pirates).

Thoughts on Nelson Cruz? Who might be kicking the tires on him?
-- @JungleMcCarthy

As I mentioned above, Oakland is one logical landing spot for Cruz, whose market will be limited to AL teams in need of designated hitter help. The A's had a .666 OPS from the DH spot as of Thursday, which was 13th in the AL, ahead of only the Rangers and Tigers.

Other teams in possible need of DH help include the Blue Jays (.753 OPS) and Rays (.713 OPS), who rank 11th and 12th in the AL, respectively.

If the Yankees decide to sell and focus on next year, who are the best chips? Aroldis Chapman? Chad Green?
-- @Marko119

The Yankees’ recent struggles -- they were 8-12 over their past 20 games even after three straight wins over the Blue Jays -- has some wondering whether Brian Cashman might become a seller next month, a path he has taken just once during his two-plus decades as general manager. That came in 2016, when the Yankees traded Chapman, Andrew Miller and Carlos Beltrán, bringing back a haul that included Gleyber Torres, Clint Frazier and Justus Sheffield.

Cashman said this week that he is “fully engaged and in a buying mode” as he tries to turn things around, so the idea of selling seems to be a non-starter at the moment, but what if the Yankees find themselves 10-plus games out of a postseason spot a month from now?

Chapman is signed through 2022, earning $16 million this year and next, but he is the type of dominant closer that is generally in demand come July. If the Yankees wanted to move him, there would be plenty of interest.

Green, who is earning $2.15 million this season and is arbitration-eligible for one more year, would also be in demand.

The only impending free agents on the roster are Corey Kluber, Brett Gardner, Justin Wilson and Darren O’Day, none of whom would bring back much in return.

Would Cashman move any of his core players under control beyond 2021? Aaron Judge isn’t going anywhere, but might Gary Sánchez have value to another club? The catcher has rebounded with 10 home runs and a .788 OPS this season, though it feels like a stretch to think another team would give up anything notable for him.

Luke Voit is arbitration-eligible for three more years, and although he’s struggled to stay healthy this season, he did lead the AL in home runs last season. If Cashman has his eye on one of the big free-agent shortstops this winter, moving Voit would make sense, opening up first base for DJ LeMahieu and second base for Torres.

Miguel Andújar is the other intriguing possibility, as he’s arbitration-eligible for the next three years and doesn’t appear to have an everyday role with the Yankees.

If the Yankees go over the tax threshold, what are some options besides Marte?
-- @chernandez9925

Here’s the flip side of the Yankees conversation -- and the one I believe has a better chance of happening. If Cashman truly is in “buying mode” over the next six weeks, there are plenty of players out there who could help the Yankees moving forward.

Center field is the biggest need for sure, and Marte -- either Ketel or Starling -- would serve as a major upgrade. Starling is the more attainable of the two, as the Marlins are in last place and he is headed for free agency at the end of the season. Ketel won’t be as easy to acquire, as he’s under club control for three more seasons at a total cost of $20 million, assuming his 2023 and ’24 options are exercised.

Other outfield possibilities include Joey Gallo, David Peralta, Kyle Schwarber and Michael A. Taylor.

The Yankees could also use a boost in the rotation, especially now that Luis Severino suffered a groin injury during his last rehab start. Germán Márquez and Jon Gray of the Rockies could be available, as could Texas’ Kyle Gibson. Could the Yankees try to take a big swing and aim for José Berríos of the Twins? Anything is possible. Then, of course, there’s Max Scherzer, whom I believe I am required to mention in every one of these Inbox features.

What is Jon Gray’s value? I know he is injured at the moment, but I think he would be a strong back-end rotation candidate for many teams.
-- @aninsanemetsfan

Gray is unlikely to be the type of arm that changes the shape of a pennant race, but two executives recently told me they consider him a solid No. 3 or 4 starter who can provide quality innings for a pitching-needy contender.

The right-hander posted solid seasons in 2017 and ’19, but he struggled in ’18 and ’20. He rebounded nicely this season before landing on the IL, but he’s expected to return to the Rockies rotation in about a week.

Gray, who is earning $6 million this season, is slated to become a free agent at the end of the year. Colorado would like to bring him back, but he could wind up being one of the more popular names on the trade market if he pitches well upon his return.

What will it take for the Yankees to trade for Adam Frazier? He is a much-needed left-handed bat who can play multiple positions -- two things the Yanks need.
-- @Kennysherwood82

I'd like the White Sox to target Adam Frazier from Pittsburgh. What would it take to get him?
-- @jtomich05

What is Adam Frazier realistically going to cost?
-- @AndrewBorders10

Let’s finish up this week with Frazier, who was perhaps the most asked-about player in the Inbox.

With a 2021 salary of $4.3 million, Frazier is the second-highest-paid player on the Pirates roster this season, but for most contenders, his would be a relatively easy salary to fit into their budget.

Even easier would be his fit into many lineups, thanks to his ability to play second base and both corner-outfield positions. (Frazier has also started games at shortstop, third base and center field during his six-year career.)

Frazier is having the best offensive season of his career, posting an .844 OPS with a National League-high 23 doubles as of Thursday. He’s also arbitration-eligible for a third and final time this coming offseason, so a team trading for Frazier would control him through 2022.

Although Pittsburgh isn’t in a position where it must trade Frazier, GM Ben Cherington is likely to take advantage of the strong first half to maximize the return. Frazier is a perfect fit for a number of clubs, most notably the Yankees and White Sox, and if Cherington can get two or more teams interested, he could really drive up the price for the 29-year-old.