The Oakland Athletics have acquired shortstop Elvis Andrus from the Texas Rangers in exchange for slugger Khris Davis, according to the Athletic's Ken Rosenthal. In addition to the DH, the Athletics will also send catcher John Heim and right-handed pitcher Dan Acker to Texas, while the Rangers will provide Oakland with $13.5 million to cover nearly all of Andrus' contract.

The acquisition of Andrus fills a glaring hole in the infield for the Athletics following Marcus Siemen's contract expiration. While the A's and Siemen were reportedly still attempting to work out a reunion, the financial terms the shortstop was seeking made a return highly unlikely as he ultimately joined the Blue Jays.

In pivoting towards Andrus, the Athletics will hope that the veteran returns to form following a disappointing 2020 season.

One of the longest-tenured players in Rangers history and one of the most beloved, Andrus was among the most consistent producers in the majors at the shortstop position.

From 2009 to 2017, Andrus played in a minimum of 145 games while averaging just over three wins-above replacement during that span. Though injury concerns have hampered him over the last two years, at only 32 years of age, it is not unreasonable to expect that the shortstop can still be a significant contributor on the offensive end.

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Meanwhile, the Rangers will acquire a slugger in Davis that is only two years removed from leading all of the majors in home runs. While the DH hit at least 40 home runs from 2016 through 2018, the last two seasons have seen a significant decline in his production as injuries have zapped him of most of his power. Should he rediscover his ability to hit the long ball, Texas will feature two fearsome hitters in the middle of their lineup in Davis and Joey Gallo.

For a team in the midst of a rebuild, a Khris Davis reclamation project may ultimately net them another asset down the line. As for the Athletics, they get a proven shortstop in Andrus who has the potential to be a key player.