Reds rumors: Oakland Athletics in the hunt for Tanner Roark

It’s becoming more and more likely that the Cincinnati Reds will trade Tanner Roark. The latest Reds rumors point to the Oakland Athletics as possible suitors.

At this point, it seems unlikely that Tanner Roark will be a member of the Cincinnati Reds after Wednesday’s trade deadline. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic suggests the Oakland A’s are interested in the veteran hurler. The Athletics are the latest team joining the myriad of Reds rumors surrounding Roark.

The Athletics already made a trade earlier today, securing the services of left-handed relief pitcher Jake Diekman from the Kansas City Royals. Earlier this month, the A’s and Royals agreed to a deal that sent former Reds starter Homer Bailey to the Bay Area.

Rosenthal reports that Oakland is not done acquiring arms. Rosenthal’s sources claim that Roark, along with New York Mets starter Zach Wheeler, are among their targets. Roark’s name has already been linked to the Philadelphia Phillies.

Roark’s name is gaining steam. Many of the possible trade scenarios involving starting pitchers have mentioned players such as Marcus Stroman, Noah Syndergaard, and Trevor Bauer. While each of those aforementioned pitchers may have better stuff and more years of team control remaining on their contract, landing those guys will also take a lot.

Securing the services of a player like Roark, who is in the final year of his contract, is only likely to cost a mid-level prospect. The likes of Syndergaard and Bauer will likely cost at least one top-tier prospect, an MLB-ready player, and more.

Roark has been solid for the Cincinnati Reds this season. With a 6-6 record in 20 starts, Roark has an ERA below 4.00. Roark owns a 1.375 WHIP with 106 strikeouts on the season and 34 walks. His 115 ERA+ is solid and he’s on pace to pitch over 180 innings for the fourth straight season.

According to Bleacher Report, the Oakland Athletics have the No. 17 rated farm system in all of Major League Baseball. While a deal for Tanner Roark would be unlikely to include the likes of catcher Sean Murphy or pitcher A.J. Puk, perhaps the Reds could pluck a player like third baseman Sheldon Neuse or outfielder Luis Barrera.

While we haven’t heard many Reds rumors regarding Yasiel Puig or José Iglesias, there sure have been plenty surrounding Tanner Roark’s next home. The Reds have until Wednesday at 4 PM to trade their right-hander. If he’s still on the squad after the trade deadline, one would assume that the Reds see Roark in their plans for next season and beyond.