It may be the end of January, and Spring Training may be right around the corner, but that doesn't mean the offseason has come to a close just yet. Some teams are still out there looking to make moves, and on Friday one rumor out of California has the Oakland A's as being interested in trading for Seattle Mariners third baseman Chone Figgins.
Chone Figgins Trade Rumors Link Mariners Third Baseman To A’s
A source with knowledge of the situation said the A's are trying to trade for Seattle infielder Chone Figgins, and that current A's third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff and perhaps a pitcher could be shipped to the Mariners in return.
Ken Rosenthal later confirmed the rumor. There’s something to this, and while it’s still in the talking stage and nothing appears to be on the verge of going down, it’s a big potential headline.
The A's already have Kevin Kouzmanoff in the fold at third base, but they claimed Edwin Encarnacion earlier this winter and then tried to sign Adrian Beltre, so it's clear they're in the market for an upgrade. Figgins struggled badly in 2010 but has a strong track record of high-average offense and excellent defense, so he could very well make the team better.
In the event of a trade, Kouzmanoff would presumably go back to Seattle, as the Mariners would be in need of a third baseman and the A’s would have a surplus. Kouzmanoff has good power and plays consistent defense, but doesn’t get on base very often and frequently strikes out.
Figgins batted .259 with a .646 OPS last season, but comes in at .287 and .736 for his career. He’s always a threat to get on base and steal his way to second. The 33-year-old is under contract for $26 million over the next three years, which is a deal the Mariners would presumably like to trade away. Kouzmanoff will earn $4.75 million in 2011, but is not under contract in 2012.
Stay tuned to this StoryStream as the rumor develops, and also be sure to check out Lookout Landing and Athletics Nation for more.
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