Red Sox Rumors: The A's Have a Starter That Chaim Bloom Should Target

In the early part of the 2018 season, the Red Sox were red-hot when the rolled up in Oakland to play the A's. The Red Sox had won eight straight games and were the leader of most offensive categories in baseball. All of that didn't matter because Sean Manaea was waiting for his date with the mighty Red Sox.  

Photo courtesy of beyondtheboxscore.com

The tall left-hander was dominant as he punched out ten Red Sox batters. It took him 108 pitches to put the Red Sox away and keep the scoreboard saying all zeros.

The final out. History for Sean Manaea.

via @Athletics pic.twitter.com/ECwskLItn1

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) April 22, 2018

Chaim Bloom is going to be in the market for starting pitching this offseason. Bloom should look to the A's and check the availability of Manaea.  Chris Sale isn't going to be ready for the start of the 2021 season, and Eduardo Rodriguez missed the season with myocarditis. Bloom has some money to spend to replenish his roster, but the question remains whether he'll part with prospects to add players to the big league club.

Sean Manaea's nasty slider to end the 7th frame.

(Thanks to @AndyMPatrick for the request!) pic.twitter.com/52tmR9Qi8Q

— Pitcher List (@PitcherList) April 15, 2018

When healthy Manaea can be dominant, as seen back in 2018 when he threw that no-hitter against the Red Sox. Heading into last season, there was optimism as he was coming off shoulder surgery. Instead, 2020 wasn't the greatest for the lefty. He would finish with a 4-3 record, in 11 starts with a 4.50 ERA. 

The likelihood the A's would trade Manaea is slim but it's not entirely farfetched. The A's have some tough decisions to make on players as they head into arbitration. Besides Manaea, they have to deal with Mark Canha, Frankie Montas and Chris Bassitt. The A's have been one of the teams hit hard by the season shortened pandemic. They could try and cut some additional costs until they get fans in the stands, hopefully in 2021.

Jay Groome missing bats today pic.twitter.com/qAyTKlRXLI

— Ian Cundall (@IanCundall) August 4, 2020

The Red Sox have some prospects they could move to acquire Manaea. Heading into the 2021 regular season, Manaea would be entering the season at age 29.  The Red Sox could send a package that could consist of left-handed pitcher Jay Groome and others to acquire the lefty.  

The Hot Stove will be simmering with trade rumors and free agency reports. While this seems least likely to get done, the Red Sox would be wise to kick the tires on Manaea's availability for next season. Bloom is making some good moves to replenish the system to make moves specifically like this. 

Follow Chris on Twitter @chrishenrique

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