Oakland Athletics’ 2016 Starting Rotation: Who Will Make It?

Aug 2, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Sonny Gray (54) throws a pitch against the Cleveland Indians during the first inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

Sonny Gray

Well, this is obvious. Even though many teams have been inquiry about Sonny Gray, the Oakland Athletics have made it clear that they have no desire to trade him. He is still under club control until 2020 and has been a huge part of the starting rotation since his MLB debut in 2013. Unless he incurs an injury either during the second half of this season or in the offseason, Gray will likely be the Opening Day starter in 2016.

Despite his team’s record, Gray has been performing so well this year that he is considered an AL Cy Young candidate. He is currently first in the AL for WHIP with a 0.98 and second for ERA with a 2.12. Gray has been consistent and reliable throughout the season and the Athletics are expected to win when he takes the mound.

Jesse Hahn

Jesse Hahn is currently on the disabled list and it is presumed that he will not be back this season. Because he this is his first year pitching in the MLB and it is very unlikely that the Athletics will make the postseason, it makes sense to rest Hahn for the remainder of 2015, so he can be fully recovered for 2016. Even though he is on the disabled list now, Hahn will definitely be back in the rotation next season due to his performance this year.

Hahn struggled a little at the beginning of 2015 but was able to settle down. He earned a very respectable 6-6 record with a 3.35 ERA. He even record his first complete game, which also happened to be a shutout, on May 25 against the Detroit Tigers. Hahn was only getting better as the season progressed until he was placed on the DL with a forearm strain. As long as his current injury does not reoccur in 2016, he will definitely be in the Athletics’ starting rotation.

Next: Likely Starting Pitchers in 2016