With the trade deadline approaching, news of scouts assessing opposing teams' players will be steadily rolling out. The Oakland Athletics have a reputation for dealing big names for prospects whenever they're out of contention, which increasingly looks to be the case this season.

Several teams had multiple scouts on hand for starting pitcher Sonny Gray's outing against the Chicago White Sox on Sunday, according to the San Francisco Chronicle's Susan Slusser. The Chicago Cubs, Toronto Blue Jays, Seattle Mariners, and Atlanta Braves are all said to have had representatives in the stands for his start, and the Boston Red Sox also sent a single scout.

Related: Red Sox reportedly join list of teams interested in Gray

They picked a good game to check out. Gray went seven innings, allowing only two runs (one earned) on four hits while striking out seven. His overall results haven't been so sterling this season, though his 3.60 FIP suggests he's not wholly to blame.

Gray represents an appealing addition both for teams looking to win in 2017 and those looking beyond this season. He has two more years of arbitration before becoming an unrestricted free agent in 2020.

The Cubs seem like an ideal fit, having had issues with their starting rotation for most of the season. The back end of the rotation hasn't found its footing, and Jon Lester is the only qualified starter with an ERA under 4.00.

Slusser added that some scouts were also likely keeping tabs on infielder Jed Lowrie, who is also expected to be available.