Hot Stove League Update: A's, Rays Make Multiplayer Trade

 The A's have made some inneresting moves this Hot Stove League Season.  This one is a bit of a head-scratcher from their end and since they are dealing with the Rays, it's not hard to think the Rays got the better end of the deal even before analyzing it.  Let's break it down:

A's receive:

Jeffrey Springs LHP:

2024:  2-2, 3.27, 33 IP, 10.09 K/9, 3.00 BB/9.  

Springs missed most of 2022 and 2024 due to Tommy John surgery.  He came back at the end of July to pitch well in 7 Starts but then was shut down on 9/3 due to "elbow fatigue".  He has two years remaining on a 4 yr contract with a club option for 2027.

Jacob Lopez LHP:

2024(AAA):  4-7, 4.26, 88.2 IP, 10.76 K/9, 4.57 BB/9.  

2024(MLB):  0-0, 5.23, 10.1 IP, 6.97 K/9, 6.10 BB/9.

Of the name Jacob Lopez sounds vaguely familiar, he was the Giants 26'th round draft pick in 2018.  FZ churned him to the Rays for Joe McCarthy in a 2019 midseason trade.  He has worked his way up through the Rays farm system.

Rays receive:

Joe Boyle RHP:  

2024(AAA):  1-3, 5.12, 45.2 IP, 13.99 K/9, 7.69 BB/9.

2024(MLB):  3-6, 6.42, 47.2 IP, 10.57 K/9, 7.55 BB/9.

Per Fangraphs, Boyle's FB velocity is 98 MPH, but he obviously has serious command/control issues.  Maybe the Rays can fix that?  Or maybe he has more potential as a reliever?

Jacob Watters RHP:

2024(A+):  6-3, 5.04, 8.31 K/9, 4.15 BB/9.

2024(A):  1-0, 9.00, 3 IP, 0.00 K/9, 15.00 BB/9.

Hasn't pitched above A+ ball and was Rule 5 Eligible this year.

Will Simpson 1B/OF:

2024(A+):  .270/.373/.480, 16 HR, 4 SB, 14.6 BB%, 24.7 K%.

2024(AA:  .348/.408/.493, 2 HR, SB, 9.2 BB%, 23.7 K%.  

15'th round draft pick in 2023 with excellent progress in first full pro season.

Rays also receive a compensatory draft pick.

Summary: 

Springs is probably the best players in the trade and this could work out pretty well for the A's if he is healthy.  Boyle's K rate indicates some upside if he can gain some control of the strike zone and Simpson looks like a legit hitter.  It's surprising the A's gave up a high draft pick and that could end up being the eventual difference maker in the trade.  It's interesting that the A's seem to suddenly want to add payroll.  Are they really trying to improve the team or did the MLBPA put the fear of god in them over a possible grievance for underspending their revenue-sharing money?  Maybe some of both?