OAKLAND -- Athleticism has been lacking in the A's organization, an attribute that is often associated with the majority of successful ballclubs. To that end, Oakland has carefully curated trades to address these needs.
No deal illustrated this better than July's blockbuster swap with the Yankees. By sacrificing two-plus seasons of Sonny Gray, the A's got themselves a pretty package, reeling in prospects James Kaprielian, Dustin Fowler and Jorge Mateo.
Hype has long followed the right-handed Kaprielian, even as he continues to rehab from Tommy John surgery. Fowler was also part of a touted group of Baby Bombers prospects, while Mateo for some time reigned as the top Yankees prospect.