Not to mention once he starts regressing to his career averages or even gets hurt there goes his value. I don't see how his trade value is going to increase unless he keeps throwing 6-7 inning shutouts and more starters on contenders go down.
I'm thinking Ralphy Velasquez. First round pick last year, 6th ranked prospect in our system by Fangraphs, currently hitting .385/1.144 in A ball. He's 18 so he should be about ready by the time they move to Vegas in 2028.
Ralphy was a catcher in high school but from reports I've seen he's only playing first base now. If we don't extend Josh Naylor we have Manzardo. Also, Arias can play first base.
With the A's not expecting to actually start playing in Las Vegas until 2028 and wanting to make a big splash upon arrival it seems to me they should try to accumulate as many top end prospects as possible who are 3-4 years out.
Just throwing it out there. Maybe we're fine with Williams, Bibee, Allen, McKenzie, and Cookie. Curry looked good in his one start. Cookie has improved a little in each start. Cantillo will be back in another month or so, although he's unproven. Maybe Nikhazy in Akron can help out (10 innings, 1 hit, no runs, 4 walks, 13 K's).
Maybe Triston stays healthy and his velo has an uptick. Maybe we're fine. But if anybody else goes down I would explore a deal for Blackburn, and the A's should be looking for high upside teenagers.
