While the Jays reportedly have “very strong interest” in free agent Joc Pederson, they’re not the only team with the slugger on their radar. He’s also projected to cost about $24 million over two years, which isn’t an unreasonable deal. But they will likely need a backup plan just in case they don’t land Pederson. That’s where the A’s come in.

Oakland has two options at play that could be fits for Toronto. The first is Brent Rooker, who can roam the outfield when needed, but is likely to fill the DH role for the A’s in 2024. Rooker got regular playing time for the first time in his career last year, and responded by launching 30 home runs and hitting .246 with a .329 OBP. His 127 wRC+ would have ranked second among regulars on the Jays in 2023, behind Brandon Belt (138), who is now a free agent. Rooker also played in 137 games, and his health combined with his production could be a draw for Toronto.

Trading Rooker would make sense for the A’s since their goals are all centered around 2028 when they hope to open their proposed new ballpark in Las Vegas. Adding younger pieces that correspond with that timeline wouldn’t be surprising. Plus, Rooker’s trade value may be at the highest it will ever be right now. The problem for Toronto would be putting Guerrero’s glove onto the field, where he accumulated -13 Outs Above Average in 2023.

The other player the A’s could potentially move is first baseman Ryan Noda, who was a Rule 5 pick last off-season. In his rookie campaign Noda hit .229 with a .364 OBP and 16 homers, leading to a 123 wRC+. Noda was originally drafted by the Blue Jays, and manager John Schneider was very complimentary of the season he was putting together when Toronto visited the Bay Area late in the season. His defense was a bit closer to league average and would represent a big upgrade of Guerrero at first.

While Noda could be a piece of the A’s core, they also have former top prospect Tyer Soderstrom waiting in the wings, and with Shea Langeliers behind the dish, there’s no clear path to regular playing time for him. First base could become his regular position at in the future, but as long as Noda is scooping ground balls, finding playing time for Soderstrom will be tricky.

Of the two, Noda is likely the more valuable trade piece. It’s tough to see Alek Manoah coming back in that deal given his trade value being depressed after his 2023 campaign, but that’s roughly equal value according to MLB Trade Values.  If Manoah is a non-starter for this deal, then maybe something could be worked around #17 prospect Kendry Rojas, a 21-year-old left-hander in A Ball plus a couple of similar prospects.

Rooker won’t hit free agency until after the 2027 season, while Noda is under club control through the 2028 campaign. While both players would be great to have on the 2024 Oakland A’s, the team’s focus is more on the future than the present.