MLB Trade Rumors: Updates on Oakland Athletics' Trade Bait

As the trade deadline draws near, the fire sale in Oakland begins. The Athletics are at the bottom of the AL West and must make moves for next season.

Josh Willingham is one of many players they will probably trade soon.

Multiple teams have been in contact with Oakland. The Athletics’ trade bait includes both pitching and outfield. These are some of the players figured to be out of Oakland by Aug. 1st.

David DeJesus

David DeJesus has not made as much of an impact for the Athletics as many had hoped. His batting average of .228 is lower than his career stat, and he has five homers with 25 RBI.

Regardless, he would be a useful addition to many teams in need of outfielders. The Pirates have expressed interest in him, according to Buster Olney of ESPN.

Brian Fuentes

Oakland may deal several pitchers this coming week, and Brian Fuentes is one of the trading pieces that’s been mentioned. Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated says the Athletics are taking calls on Fuentes.

He hasn’t had a good year, with only one win and 12 saves.

Despite his numbers, the Diamondbacks have checked in on him as an inexpensive addition to their bullpen.

Grant Balfour

The A’s will also consider trading Grant Balfour. The righty has a 4-1 record with a 2.15 ERA in 2011.

Balfour has generated more interest than a few other A’s pitchers. Jon Morosi tweeted that Toronto had a scout watching the Athletics for two days, mentioning Balfour as a possible target.

The Rangers also had scouts at Tuesday’s game.

Josh Willingham

Josh Willingham has created the most buzz as Athletics’ trade bait. He’s one of top power bats available.

The Pirates have considered a trade for Willingham. Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review has mentioned Garrett Jones as a potential Pirate going to Oakland in an exchange for Willingham and Craig Breslow.

The Red Sox have inquired about Willingham as well.

Craig Breslow

Craig Breslow is another pitcher drawing interest from multiple teams.

Jon Morosi mentioned Breslow when discussing scouts from the Rangers at the Athletics games. He could be a part of a trade with Josh Willingham to Pittsburgh for Garrett Jones.

The Brewers are another team with interest in Breslow.

Andrew Bailey

Ken Rosenthal says the A’s have to be “overwhelmed” to trade Andrew Bailey, but if they choose to deal him, they’ll probably have several options.

Bailey is one of the Rangers’ trade targets.  Texas already asked, but for now, Oakland isn’t shopping him.

The Blue Jays had a scout at the A’s games and might be looking at him.

Coco Crisp

Coco Crisp is a switch-hitting center fielder, something that would be extremely useful to many teams.

Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated tweeted that both the Indians and Reds were interested in Crisp. Danny Knobler of CBS Sports says that Crisp is one of a few players the Reds are targeting.

Conor Jackson

Conor Jackson’s .245 batting average and three home runs hasn’t been a huge help to the Athletics this season.

He might be helpful to other teams though. The Red Sox have asked about Jackson and Jerry Crasnick says the Pirates checked in on him as well.