The MLB Trade Scene: A Local Star's Journey
Get ready for an exciting tale of baseball trades and a local hero's journey! AJ Causey, a former standout from Sparkman High and Jacksonville State, is making waves in the MLB.
But here's where it gets controversial... Causey's second pro season started with an invitation to the Kansas City Royals' spring training. However, his stay was brief, as he was swiftly traded to the Athletics, moving from one Arizona training ground to another.
The Royals exchanged Causey for Mitch Spence, a pitcher with Major League experience. Causey, an All-State infielder in 2021, pitched for Jacksonville State before joining Tennessee in 2024. His impressive 13-3 record on Rocky Top caught the eye of scouts, leading to his fifth-round draft selection.
In his 2025 pro debut, Causey pitched as a reliever for Kansas City across two levels, showcasing an impressive 1.72 ERA with an 11-5 record and nine saves. His performance caught the attention of the Athletics, who are preparing for their second season in Sacramento, California, while their new ballpark in Las Vegas is being completed.
Spence, on the other hand, pitched for the Athletics in the past two seasons, with a 4.77 ERA and an 11-16 record. The trade raises questions about the value of experience versus potential.
And this is the part most people miss... Mark Inabinett, the author of this article, has been covering players with Alabama football roots in the NFL for over a decade. His first byline appeared in 1976, and he's been a sports journalist ever since.
So, what do you think? Is Causey's potential enough to outweigh Spence's experience? Or is this trade a sign of things to come in the MLB? Let's discuss in the comments!
