The Athletics are not in contention, so why would they be acquiring a 32-year-old reliever at this time? Well, Hatcher could be a cheap late-inning reliever for Oakland for the next two seasons beyond 2017, since he is under contract through 2019. He has struggled this season and recently returned from a shoulder issue.

The Dodgers felt comfortable enough with their current bullpen setup, so they decided to move veteran Hatcher and his existing contract to Oakland for a little more cash available to sign international free agents. LA recently acquired left-handed relievers Tony Watson and Tony Cingrani for added bullpen depth.

Hatcher will probably be a more prominent reliever in Oakland than he would have been next season had he stayed in Los Angeles. He could be a decent source for holds in leagues that use that category, but Hatcher is unlikely to be a closer for the A's next year.