Trade-happy A's building something special

Athletics fans must be disappointed to lose their 26-year-old flame-throwing closer, but this trade offer was impossible to turn down.

A lineup with a bright future before the deadline got even brighter Thursday. De Vries will join a young core with slugging first baseman Nick Kurtz, dynamic infielder Jacob Wilson, outfielder Lawrence Butler and plenty of auxiliary talent. 

Kurtz flashed his massive power July 25 with a four-homer game. Wilson has shown hitting ability as a rookie (.312 BA), and Butler has all the tools to be dynamic on offense and defense. 

On top of the main core, outfielder Tyler Soderstrom, second baseman Zack Gelof and catcher Shea Langeliers have shown promise in the big leagues. And, of course, don't overlook veteran DH/OF Brent Rooker, who has many good years left.

There is still work to be done on the pitching staff, a weakness the past few seasons. The Athletics lack an ace or even a high-end starter, though they're starting to accumulate pitching prospects and will need to continue doing to balance the roster. 

The Athletics are poised to become the Las Vegas Athletics by 2028, and the way they're building could perfectly align with a return to contention.