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A's Acquire Shortstop Alika Williams From Pirates, Designate Michael Stefanic

Oakland signals a defense-first push by adding a natural shortstop for immediate depth.

Overview

  • The Athletics, who finalized the deal Saturday, sent minor league right-hander Kyle Robinson to Pittsburgh for infielder Alika Williams.
  • Oakland added Williams to the active roster as Michael Stefanic was designated for assignment, a move that removes him from the roster to open 26- and 40-man spots.
  • Manager Mark Kotsay framed the addition as a run-prevention upgrade, calling Williams a natural shortstop who will get a chance to play.
  • Williams arrives from Triple-A Indianapolis after a hot start at the plate (.317 average, .852 OPS in 34 games) and a profile built on steady shortstop defense.
  • In a separate move Saturday, the A’s traded outfielder Junior Perez to the White Sox for lefty prospect Jackson Nove, who has a 1.96 ERA with 41 strikeouts in 23 innings at Single-A Kannapolis.