Trevor Plouffe Traded to Tampa Bay Rays for Cash

The Oakland Athletics traded third baseman Trevor Plouffe—whom they had designated for assignment Thursday—and cash to the Tampa Bay Rays on Saturday in exchange for a player to be named later or cash.

The A's announced the deal on Twitter.

Though details of the deal weren't immediately made public, the money heading to Tampa Bay is likely meant to help the organization cover the remaining portion of Plouffe's $5.3 million salary for 2017. He'll become a free agent after the season.

The 31-year-old signed with the A's in January, but he struggled to provide the offensive spark the team needed. He posted a .214/.276/.357 triple-slash line with seven home runs in 58 games. The .276 on-base percentage was 30 points below his career average.

Plouffe, who slugged 96 homers across seven seasons with the Minnesota Twins, told Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle he understood the decision since prized prospect Matt Chapman was called up to the majors Thursday.

"It's tough because I spent five months with these guys and made a lot of good friends," Plouffe said. "I wish them all the best, and I understand why they made the move. I wasn't hitting, and Chappy was waiting in the wings. He deserves this chance, and I am very happy for him."

Plouffe should back up the corner infield spots with the Rays, who have Evan Longoria and Logan Morrison locked in as the starters at third base and first base, respectively.