A's Acquire Switch-Hitting Infielder From Milwaukee Brewers

Abraham Toro could get a chance in Oakland, similar to the one they gave Brent Rooker in 2023

The Oakland A's announced that they have traded away RHP Chad Patrick to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for switch-hitting infielder Abraham Toro, bringing the A's 40-man roster to 37.

Toro is a career .211 hitter with a .282 OBP and played in just nine games with the Brewers in 2023. He'll be entering his age 27 season with zero options remaining, which means that he will need to make the Opening Day roster or be subjected to waivers. 

That's where things get interesting, because Kevin Smith is also a third base candidate heading into 2023, and he too is out of options. Only one of them is likely to make the roster, and given the team's lack of emphasis on giving Smith playing time down the stretch this season, it would appear Toro could have the upper hand in that battle, if Smith doesn't end up traded beforehand.

The A's also claimed Miguel Andujar off waivers earlier this month, and while he is more known for his time as the Yankees' third baseman in 2018, he has played predominantly in left field in his time in the Majors since. He could be seen as a potential third baseman in an emergency situation, making it less likely that both Smith and Toro make the roster at the same time. 

Toro had a hot stretch after being traded from the Astros to the Mariners in 2021, batting .252 with a .328 OBP in 60 games, but even then his OPS+ was below league average at 96. He struggled mightily in 2022 and was shipped to Milwaukee in the deal that also saw Jesse Winker headed to The Crew in exchange for Kolten Wong and cash. 

That deal didn't work out for anyone. 

As for the player the A's gave up, Chad Patrick, he was acquired from the Arizona Diamondbacks in the Jace Peterson deal this summer. He played in both Double-A Midland and Triple-A Las Vegas and struggled at both stops, posting ERAs of 8.44 and 7.89 in 32 1/3 total innings. He also posted a WHIP above two at each stop. 

The Brewers randomly acquired Joel Payamps from the A's in the Sean Murphy deal last off-season and he ended up being a linchpin for their bullpen this past season. Milwaukee knows what they're doing with arms. 

We'll have to see how Darren Bush takes to his new role as the Director of Hitting.