The Oakland Athletics filled their need for homerun power on Sunday by acquiring hard-hitting slugger Adam Dunn from the Chicago White Sox. Dunn will finally play in the postseason for the first time in his 13-year career.
After the trade was announced, Dunn revealed that he will retire at the end of this season and doesn't think he can be talked into returning for another year.
"This is probably going to be it," Dunn said. "I've been playing a long time and haven't got this opportunity, so I'm going to try to make the most of it."
The White Sox received minor league pitcher Nolan Sanburn and cash considerations from Oakland in exchange for Dunn.
Dunn, 34, is batting .220 with 20 home runs and 54 RBIs. He has 460 career homeruns has hit 20 homers in 12 of the last 13 seasons, second to just David Ortiz and Albert Pujols since 2000. Dunn had to waive his no-trade clause and approve the move to Oakland, which is second in the AL West and first in the wild card standings with a 78-57 record.
"It really feels like Opening Day," Dunn said. "It's a really good shot in the arm, for me especially. It's pretty easy waking up this morning and knowing you're going to be somewhere tomorrow that has a legitimate chance to do something that you've worked your entire career to do. Now I'm getting a chance."
The Athletics are in desperate need for a shot in the arm after seeing a dip in offensive production this month. They still lead the majors in runs scored but rank 20thin runs in August since trading outfielder Yoenis Cespedes for Jon Lester a month ago.
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