While this season represented another year in which the Athletics fell short of the ultimate goal, it would still be difficult to call it anything but a success. The low-budget franchise overcame multiple key injuries in its rotation to amass 97 wins for the second straight year and earn its second consecutive playoff berth. Unfortunately for Oakland, it once again couldn’t get past the wild-card game. The A’s will return the vast majority of their important contributors in 2020, however, and even though they’re probably in for a somewhat quiet winter, there’s a good chance they’ll remain among the AL’s most talented teams next year.
Guaranteed Contracts
- Khris Davis, DH: $33.5MM through 2021
- Stephen Piscotty, OF: $22.5MM through 2022 (including $1MM buyout for 2023)
- Joakim Soria, RP: $8.5MM through 2020
- Mike Fiers, RHP: $8.1MM through 2020
Arbitration-Eligible Players (projections via Matt Swartz)
- Jurickson Profar – $5.8MM
- Liam Hendriks – $5.5MM
- Marcus Semien – $13.5MM
- Josh Phegley – $2.2MM
- Blake Treinen – $7.8MM
- Robbie Grossman – $3.3MM
- Mark Canha – $4.9MM
- Ryan Buchter – $1.8MM
- Sean Manaea – $3.5MM
- Chris Bassitt – $2.8MM
- Chad Pinder – $1.8MM
- Jharel Cotton – $800K
- Non-tender candidates: Profar, Phegley, Treinen, Grossman, Pinder
Option Decisions
- Jake Diekman, RP: $5.75MM mutual option or $500K buyout
- Yusmeiro Petit, RP: $5.5MM club option or $1MM buyout
Free Agents
- Brett Anderson, Homer Bailey, Tanner Roark, Marco Estrada, Brian Schlitter, Dustin Garneau, Beau Taylor
As was the case in 2018, this year’s Athletics overcame a rotation that wasn’t anywhere close to full strength to book a trip to the playoffs. Emergent ace Frankie Montas’ breakout year all but ended in late June because of an 80-game suspension for performance-enhancing drugs; Sean Manaea barely factored in after undergoing shoulder surgery in September 2018; and promising young starters Jesus Luzardo, A.J. Puk and Jharel Cotton missed most or all of the season with injuries. When Luzardo and Puk were healthy enough to pitch toward the end of the year, they worked exclusively out of the A’s bullpen.
Going forward, the A’s can likely expect Montas, Manaea, Luzardo and Puk to occupy four of five spots in their season-opening 2020 rotation. Cotton could vie for a spot, but he doesn’t seem to stand as strong a chance to win one. If healthy, though, he could be a solid depth piece for an Oakland staff that’ll also have Mike Fiers and Chris Bassitt among its main options. The sudden overflow of capable-looking starters means the A’s probably won’t pursue starters with much gusto over the winter. Brett Anderson and in-season additions Homer Bailey and Tanner Roark each helped spur the A’s most recent playoff season, though they all appear likely to walk in free agency. Even Anderson, a longtime and much-respected Athletic, seems to think his time with the franchise is done because of the copious amount of viable starters they have on hand.
Oakland seems to be facing a larger number of questions in its bullpen, where it’ll have to decide on a couple options before getting to other business. Rejecting lefty Jake Diekman’s $5.75MM option in favor of a $500K buyout seems as if it’ll happen; meantime, it appears to be a straightforward call to say yes to workhorse righty Yusmeiro Petit’s $5.5MM option. Assuming Petit sticks around, he’ll stay in a group that’ll also return the suddenly superb Liam Hendriks, Joakim Soria, Ryan Buchter and Lou Trivino. After that, the unit’s makeup doesn’t seem to be set in stone. Some member(s) from the A’s overflow of starters may be part of the group, as could J.B. Wendelken. Blake Treinen had an all-world season in 2018, but he fell off a cliff during an injury-limited ’19 and now looks like a strong non-tender candidate. All that said, adding to the bullpen (for what figures to be a low-cost, short-term contract) may be a priority this offseason for the A’s. Bear in mind that they have brought in at least one free-agent reliever on a guaranteed contract in each of the past few winters (Petit, Soria, Santiago Casilla, Ryan Madson and John Axford since 2016).
Meanwhile, the A’s position player alignment looks set for the most part. Third baseman Matt Chapman, first baseman Matt Olson and shortstop Marcus Semien are bedrock in the infield (the only question is whether any of them will land contract extensions). Designated hitter Khris Davis’ production plummeted during an injury-affected season, but the money left on his contract means he isn’t going to vacate his role. Underrated standouts Mark Canha and Ramon Laureano make for two-thirds of a starting outfield, though it’s not yet clear where they’ll mainly line up next season.
Either Canha or Laureano could be the A’s No. 1 center fielder or wind up starting in a corner in 2020. Stephen Piscotty (whom Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle has suggested may be a trade candidate), Robbie Grossman (potential non-tender), Chad Pinder (another possible non-tender), Seth Brown, Skye Bolt and Dustin Fowler might also be in the mix for spots. However, the A’s could go out of house for what they deem to be a more appealing choice. Slusser and Melissa Lockard of The Athletic have named lefty-hitting center fielder as a potential priority for the club, which may mean adding someone like Jarrod Dyson, Billy Hamilton or Jon Jay in free agency or even swinging a trade for Boston’s Jackie Bradley Jr. (though he might be too pricey for Oakland). In the corners, while free agents-to-be Marcell Ozuna and Nicholas Castellanos will likely be too rich for the A’s blood, though the team might be able to afford Yasiel Puig, Corey Dickerson, Kole Calhoun, Avisail Garcia or Brett Gardner. And let’s not forget ex-Athletic Ben Zobrist, who’d be able to help fill their 2B/OF needs in one fell swoop.
Whether they come away with Zobrist or someone else, second base does look like a position Oakland may choose to address from outside. Jurickson Profar’s probably on the outs, whether by trade or non-tender, after he fell flat in 2019. Free agency looks as if it’ll feature several affordable players who could prove to be upgrades over what the A’s got from Profar this year. Aside from Zobrist, Starlin Castro, Brian Dozier, Scooter Gennett, Brock Holt, Howie Kendrick, Jason Kipnis, Jonathan Schoop, former Athletic Eric Sogard and Neil Walker should all sign affordable short-term deals. Otherwise, if the A’s pass on that group (and if they don’t keep Profar or make a trade), they’ll have the option of handing the reins to some combination of Pinder, Sheldon Neuse, Franklin Barreto and Jorge Mateo.
The last spot we’ll address is the catcher position, which looks as if it’ll belong to Sean Murphy going forward. One of the majors’ highest-ranked prospects, the 25-year-old Murphy thrived at the Triple-A level in 2019 and did the same in the bigs after a September call-up. At least offensively, Murphy was far more productive than any catcher the A’s used regularly, including No. 1 choice Josh Phegley. The team’s now facing a decision on Phegley, whom it could non-tender now that Murphy – also a right-handed hitter – is in the fold. If Phegley does go, it would make sense for the A’s to pursue a lefty-swinging backup to pair with Murphy. There will be a few available in free agency in ex-A’s favorite Stephen Vogt, recent A’s target Matt Wieters and Alex Avila.
With Oakland already pushing up against this year’s $92MM-plus opening-day payroll, it doesn’t appear the club’s in for an especially active offseason. However, A’s executive vice president of baseball operations Billy Beane and general manager David Forst don’t necessarily need to oversee an aggressive winter. They’ve already built a quality roster that looks as if it’ll contend again in 2020.
“Underrated standouts Mark Canha and Ramon Laureano, two underrated standouts, make for two-thirds of a starting outfield…”
I guess it can’t be overstated how underrated these two standouts are, right Connor?
Check your blood sugar Wilford. I’m guessing it was an error. In his head he probably thinking of phrasing it one of two ways but typed out both. Poor proofreading maybe but everything is going to be ok
I just think they’re underrated-squared, which is more than underrated.
Thanks, Wilford. I don’t know how I made that mistake, but it’s fixed now. Also, I miss those diabetes commercials of yours.
Time to drop Profar, Treinen, Phegley, and maybe Grossman, use the savings to find us a second baseman and more bullpen arms. I like Phegley but it seems like we could get a comparable performer for much less, maybe somebody that specifically compliments Murphy’s splits.
Also, why on earth would Chad Pinder be on the list of nontender candidates? He plays nearly every position, we have long term team control, and he’s only had one weak year?
Completely agree. Pinder isn’t going anywhere.
Matt Olson to Padres for closer Yates, #24 RP Pedro Avila or Michel Baez and RP Trey Wingenter.
There’s a website for trade proposals like that, to see if it’s fair: baseballtradevalues.com/
Fair? There’s nothing fair in this world.
Olson’s value is much higher than that package. Despite the greatness of Yates, he only has one year of control left; the rest don’t make up the gap either.
With an extension for Yates before the deal is okayed, of course—my bad.
No way. Yates will blow his arm out eventually the way he throws. Olsen is above average offensively and gold glove caliber defense.
Who are you going to get to take Hosmer?
Sending Hosmer, Myers and Matt Strahm (or another RP) to Dodgers for Kershaw—he’s not wanted in L.A. Straight-up salary exchange. If Olson’s a no-go, will go after Josh Bell for 1B. Would send Bucs catching they need—Hedges, Blake Hunt or Luis Campusano and OF Cordero.
That would be insane for LAD. Both Hosmer and Myers are severely in the red, value-wise. You’d have to cover both salaries completely.
Why would it be insane for Dodgers? They hate Kershaw, a proven failure and choker in the postseason. His subtraction is an addition in their minds, as would be losing Dave Roberts. Don’t take my word, read L.A. Times sports section comments from Dodger fans. My Padres send Myers and his $20 million due yearly plus Hosmer and his $18 million (that’s $38 million) to LAD for Kershaw and his annual due of $30 million. The $8 million difference is worth getting rid of the postseason bum. There you go—all three salaries are accounted for. This would actually be insane for my Padres.
Good move for Padres. Not so much for A’s
Sell the team to new Las Vegas owner, Lew. Good move for the league. Not so much for the A’s.
Lew doesn’t own the team anymore, genius. Get a new narrative.
Matt Olson is the best 1B in MLB and cheap as hell, you have to put Gore in any deal for him, not for that measly package.
Yates to Oakland for Cotton, Deichmann and Neuse works for me though.
Giving up on Treinen would be a MASSIVE mistake.
This team decided Fernando Rodney was worth a $5M flyer, I don’t know why they’d skip on the prime-year of a guy who already has had historical-levels of greatness in his career, but at a slightly higher price (keep in mind this team has spent no money on its players, so they absolutely should be risking money on Treinen returning to form). I dont get the “dump Treinen because he’s $7M” narrative at all. He should get another chance, this team gave Semien like 8 chances and now look at him. If it’s July and Treien’s ERA is 5+ then cut him and bring up a prospect, no big deal.
Profar, Grossman and Phgeley are not worth keeping around. Heim is way more interesting an option at C.
Agree with you that giving up on Treinen would be foolish. And especially in comparison to what they spent on Rodney and for that matter Soria who wasn’t exactly lights out.
Unless you’re going for a left handed hitting platoon partner for the often injured Murphy though, I rather keep hold of Phegley Profar I still think is worth another shot. Grossman started 112 out of 162 regular season games in left field and played 138 in total so unless Dustin Fowler (as a rare A’s lefty/switch hitter) can stick there, the only way to improve at both 2B & LF is through trades or having Mateo or Neuse stick at 2B.
I just can’t see the A’s getting a lot in return for Grossman, Mateo, Neuse,& Profar (or a combination thereof) that would be MLB ready and/or better than what we’ve got. I do think spring training will be very competitive at 2B and all over the outfield, .
They need to non tender Grossman. That guy is gross, man
First, the talented A’s need to overcome a potent Astros team. If so, there will be other things coming along their way but first thing is first…
“Potent” is hard to overcome.
I wouldnt mind bailey on a low salary incentive deal, was impressed with him down the stretch
Except that the A’s don’t need to sign starters anymore. If anything, they have too many now, which I know sounds weird, but with the injury returnees and the MLB-ready prospects, they’re loaded in that area.
Beetle Bailey’s still around?
The only sure thing for the a’s is that Beane will once again write off the wild card choke job as a crap shoot and not his fault. This should be welcome news to a’s fans everywhere … BOTH OF THEM!!!
Moneyball is a proven postseason bust.
So is Dodger Baseball. Square up against the Dodgers in the WS and you’re the champs!!!
But… the movie!
well statman your dodgers were the biggest choke the last 3 years.
100%
trade away assets and rebuild.
Rebuild??? You clueless tool!
He’s an Angels troll.
Oakland would benefit from two veteran SPs that can each give them 200 innings..
They already have Montas Puk Luzardo Manaea Fiers Bassit Holmes Jefferies Gossett Kaprelian Cotton Blackburn Dunshee & Howard thats 14 guys for 5 spots, all are ready-now, and there might be a couple more pop up early next year as fast-risers. For once, this team doesn’t need pitching.
One place Oakland sure could upgrade: a manager who’s won A SINGLE POSTSEASON SERIES in his life.
Beane needs to somehow acquire Mookie Betts for Piscotty, Mateo, Barreto, Neuse and a pitcher who isn’t Montas, Puk or Luzardo (A’s actually have plenty high ceiling guys). Would solve a lot of “issues” on both sides. Maybe Betts would be interested in showing off his versatility and moving back to 2B in his walk year?
Only thing missing on the article front: Barreto and Mateo are out of options, they have to be there on Opening Day, or else traded or DFA’d. Maybe Beane will (obviously) not get Betts without giving up anyone too huge, but Mancini and Villar for Barreto, Profar and Mateo and a couple top 10 prospects might work?
You can’t have Betts—he’ll be wearing Padre brown next year. Good choice, though.
Padres aren’t contending next year bro, wait for 2021 when he’s a FA and has a ring from his time in the east bay.
Even with one of big leagues best rosters the system is still deep. Pitching is on its way. Host of position players also looking for playing time. Roster is starting to get expensive. When do Puk / Luzardo become top of the rotation guys. Is it 2020? Or do both slide back into bullpen roles in a playoff series. Position player wise they’re set for 2020. Do they extend Semien or hold back?
Chris Bassitt & Mike Fiers are nice regular season rotation opens. Neither is walking into Yankee Stadium or Minutemade in a playoff series. The complexion of the team changes with a true ace atop the rotation. Now, we all know they can’t afford the Cole-Stras sweepstakes. Even if they did pony up the money, Oakland isn’t exactly most FAs dream town.
My view is you package ancillary pieces to go get an ace. A guy that’s controlled for at least 2 years. Make a run at the WS.
Ideas?
Rockies Jon Gray (maybe the next Cole?)
Indians Mike Clevinger