Giants trade RHP Ross Stripling to A's for outfielder prospect

The A's drafted Cox in the sixth round of the 2023 MLB Draft out of Oral Roberts. Cox demolished Rookie League competition in his debut and was promptly promoted to full-season ball. He hit .264/.325/.373 with two doubles, two triples, two home runs, and 14 stolen bases (16 attempts) in 120 plate appearances with Single-A Stockton.

Cox immediately becomes one of the best athletes in the Giants system. A plus-plus runner with excellent contact skills, Cox has the tools to become a dynamic lead-off hitting center fielder if it all comes together. Granted, without power that is expected to play as he advances through the minor leagues, Cox most likely profiles as a fourth or fifth outfielder.

The trade also marks the end of Stripling's disapointing tenure with the Giants. Stripling inked a two-year, $25 million contract with San Francisco last offseason that included a player opt-out after one year. However, Stripling was plagued by a back injury throughout the 2023 season, which limited his availability and seemed to prompt on-field struggles.

Despite starting the season as a member of the rotation, Stripling was quickly relegated to a long relief role and bounced between those two roles for the remainder of the year. Stripling did flash some consistency in August, but ultimately finished the season with 70 strikeouts, 16 walks, 20 home runs allowed, and a 5.36 ERA in 89 innings pitched (22 appearances).

Despite receiving an All-Star selection in 2018, Stripling has never been considered an elite big-league pitcher. However, he has flashed excellent versatility and been effective as a traditional starter, swingman, and long reliever throughout his career with the Dodgers and Blue Jays. Given the A's talent-deficient roster, Stripling should receive an opportunity to reestablish himself as a starter in 2024.