Oakland Athletics Acquire Pitcher From Giants For Slugging Outfielder

In an unexpected post-deadline maneuver, the Oakland Athletics have orchestrated a trade with the San Francisco Giants, securing left-handed pitcher Sean Newcomb in exchange for minor league outfielder Trenton Brooks.

Newcomb, a seasoned 30-year-old southpaw, entered the Giants on a minor league deal, showcasing promise through an improved ground-ball rate and impressive strikeout figures, despite grappling with command inconsistencies.

The Giants have acquired OF/1B Trenton Brooke from the A’s in exchange for pitcher Sean Newcomb. We have our first player-for-player trade between the 2 teams in a long time.

— Jeff Young (@BaseballJeff1) August 22, 2023

The Athletics' move to acquire Newcomb is a calculated bet on his potential as a bullpen asset, tapping into his past flashes of success while seeking to address their pitching needs.

This season, the 30-year-old Newcomb holds a 3.15 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, with 45 strikeouts over 34.1 innings and 20 appearances.

In response, the Giants acquire 28-year-old outfielder Trenton Brooks, whose versatility and powerful performance in Triple-A have caught the attention of both teams.

The A’s have acquired left-hander Sean Newcomb from the San Francisco Giants for outfielder Trenton Brooks, according to the team’s transaction log.

— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) August 22, 2023

Brooks, armed with a robust .299/.405/.529 triple-slash line this year, with 16 home runs, 71 RBIs, and five stolen bases across 94 games. He offers the Giants a left-handed hitting option and a defensive utility player.

His capacity to adeptly man multiple positions in the outfield aligns well with the Giants' current roster challenges due to injuries, underscoring the strategic gains both Bay Area teams aim to achieve through this trade. Photo Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports