Athletics trade rumors: Oakland may shop Rich Hill, Danny Valencia

Oakland is currently sitting at fourth place in the American League West and could move Rich Hill and Danny Valencia if the club can't put a winning streak together, according to FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal.

It doesn't seem things will quickly improve for the Athletics, who placed starter Sonny Gray on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right trapezius.

Even before he went down, though, Gray didn't have much success. Over nine starts, he pitched to a 6.19 ERA.

Outfielder Josh Reddick is expected to miss between four and six weeks with a thumb injury, which won't help an offense that has been inconsistent to this point.

Hill, 36, is earning $6 million and is set to become a free agent at the end of the season. Since last September, Hill has had success. Over 49.2 innings this season, he has pitched to a 2.54 ERA.

While Hill could test the free agent market at the end of the year, Valencia is still under club control for another season. Over 26 contests, Valencia is batting .337/.366/.558 in addition to six home runs and 15 RBIs.

The A's have third base prospect Matt Chapman in Double-A, which could make moving Valencia realistic.

Rosenthal notes if the Athletics feel they can't compete in 2016, John Axford is another trade candidate.

Axford, 33, will also be a free agent in the fall but has thrived pitching out of Oakland's bullpen this season. Over 18.2 innings, Axford has pitched to a 2.89 ERA and 3.65 FIP.

Since there is still time for them to gain ground in the West, it's unlikely the Athletics make any moves in the near future. However, if they continue to struggle, they could become sellers by the trade deadline.