Oakland Athletics’ Bullpen: Five Potential Offseason Targets

Jun 21, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher Neal Cotts (48) delivers a pitch during the sixth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Milwaukee Brewers, LHP Neal Cotts
35 years old, $3 million

Over his last three seasons, Cotts has posted a 2.93 ERA, while tossing 168.2 innings. His strikeout per nine innings (SO9) over that period stands at 9.2 and his WHIP hovers just above 1.1, both respectable. His fastball command is excellent, and a devastating slider allows him to tackle both right-handed and left-handed batters. Despite being a little more effective against lefties this season (.168 average), he has still held his own versus righties (.264). One other plus has been his durability, making at least 50+ appearances the last two seasons and on pace to easily break that this year (48). With the A’s troubles keeping pitchers healthy, he could be a nice staple. He wouldn’t be a project either, because you know exactly what you’re getting, which is not something Oakland’s bullpen has had for a long time.

The reason Cotts has somehow flown under the radar while pitching for the Texas Rangers and now for the Brew Crew is likely because in 2009, he underwent Tommy John Surgery and it took him four years just to make it back to the bigs. Although he is making $3 million on a one-year contract, his age is likely going to deter many teams, making it easier for the A’s to have a chance. The last dependable (not named Doolittle) lefty out of the pen I can point to was Craig Breslow (maybe Jerry Blevins), and Cotts could have a similar kind of impact.

Next: Another Lefty To Look At