The A's are on the verge of trading outfielder Coco Crisp to the Cleveland Indians, according to multiple reports Tuesday.
The Bay Area News Group reported that a deal is essentially done and that Crisp has left the A's clubhouse. mlbtraderumors.com was first to report that the teams were in talks. Neither club has confirmed a deal, and any announcement isn't likely to come until Wednesday.
But a trade makes sense for both sides. Crisp's seven-year run with Oakland is reaching a bitter conclusion as the veteran switch hitter has been outspoken in his belief the A's have purposely sat him at times to prevent him from reaching a $13 million vesting option next season based on games played.
[RELATED: Agent: A's handling of Crisp's playing time 'an injustice']
The Indians, leaders of the American League Central, could use some veteran outfield depth as they've played most of this season trying to fill the void left by injuries to Michael Brantley. Crisp, 36, broke into the big leagues with Cleveland and played there from 2002-05 before being traded to Boston.
If Crisp plays in 130 games this season, he has a $13 million option for next season that automatically kicks in. Crisp has played in 102 games so far, and the Indians will have 31 games left beginning Wednesday. That means Crisp would have to play in 28 of those final 31 games for the option to vest. Otherwise, Cleveland can decide between picking up a $13 million club option or paying Crisp a $750,000 buyout, in which case Crisp will become a free agent.
Oakland Athletics
Crisp hit .234 with 11 homers and 47 RBI for the A's this season.
