Gray spurs early interest at Winter Meetings

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. — A late-arriving group of A’s front-office executives descended upon the Winter Meetings early Monday evening, their presence preceded by more rumors surrounding their ace.

Right-hander Sonny Gray made for plenty of fodder within the confines of the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center during the day, and that will likely hold true for the remainder of the week here.

• Hot Stove Tracker

Gray would be a great get for clubs striking out in a weak free-agent class, but he won’t come cheap. The Braves reportedly made a run at the pitcher but found his price to be too high, despite the A’s never asking for young phenom Dansby Swanson in a return package.

Swanson, a shortstop, doesn’t fit the A’s needs — Marcus Semien will be back at shortstop while the organization awaits the arrival of top prospect Franklin Barreto — but the Braves have a pair of center fielders that would seemingly be attractive to the outfield-needy A’s: Ender Inciarte would be the first choice, followed by Mallex Smith.

Inciarte, though, is considered nearly off-limits. Smith, a 24-year-old speedster, is a lesser-known quantity, but there’s potential for him to be an impact leadoff bat while providing solid defense in center field. Still, the Braves don’t appear willing to strike a deal, at least not now.

Another …

continue reading in source mlb.mlb.com