The Oakland Athletics Free Agency Plans

Overtime Heroics Editorial

1408 days ago

The Oakland Athletics had a successful 2019 season. They finished 97-65 and made it to the playoffs. The A’s are a relatively young team that looks to have staying power over the next few years. However, the task will be difficult, to say the least. If they want to continue winning and go further into the playoffs, there are a few moves they must accomplish this winter.

What’s Next for the Athletics?

Extend Marcus Semien

One of the greatest stories this season was shortstop Marcus Semien. The middle-infielder experienced a rise in the rankings, finishing with a .285 batting average, 33 home runs and 92 RBI’s. Those numbers are all career-highs for him. Also, Semien finished third in American League MVP voting. Semien will be a free agent after the 2020 season even though he has become a key player for Oakland. The team should extend his contract now to secure a bright future for the team. If not, they will feel the pressure of other contenders luring him away in free agency next offseason.

Re-Sign Starting Pitchers

Brett Anderson, Homer Bailey, and Tanner Roark are free agents this winter. All three were vital in a pitching staff that ranked sixth overall in team ERA. Bailey and Roark were acquired via trade during the season and could both be moving on. The A’s should focus on returning Anderson first. Last year, he secured 13 wins, which ranked second on the team and became his career-high. Also, Anderson posted a 3.89 ERA. He will be just 32 years old at the start of the 2020 season.

Add Another Strong Starting Pitcher

Bringing in a new starting pitcher could bolster the rotation. The team is one dominant pitcher away from perhaps a serious World Series run. However, the A’s might not want to invest top dollar for one arm. There are some options for them that will satisfy their needs. Houston Astros’ 2019 southpaw Wade Miley could shine in an expanded role with the A’s. He finished with 14 wins and could become the ace on this team. Another pitcher they should consider is Dallas Keuchel. He finished with a 3.75 ERA, which was better than their top pitchers outside Frankie Montas. Keuchel will be looking for a nice deal and is hungry to return to his 2017 form.

The Oakland Athletics have what it takes to compete for the time being. But they must look beyond next year to keep building their contending window into the next few seasons. With uncertainty over how the Astros will handle their offseason plans, the Athletics could make serious noise the AL West.