Bobby Crosby told Joe Stiglich of the San Jose Mercury News that he can't imagine signing with the A's after the season, when he becomes a free agent for the first time.
"If the opportunity was given to me to play shortstop here, I'd have no problem coming back," Crosby said. "But I know that's not going to be the case."
Crosby, who turns 30 this winter, makes $5.25MM this year. He's hitting .223/.294/.365 this season, with just 16 extra base hits. Since being named the 2004 Rookie of the Year, Crosby has struggled to stay healthy and has managed only a .669 OPS. Coming into this season, Crosby had been a defensive asset for five straight years, according to UZR.
He'll face tough competition on the free agent market after the season. Former A's Miguel Tejada, Marco Scutaro and Orlando Cabrera will lead a strong class of free agent shortstops this winter.
