Oakland Athletics Need These Five Free Agents in 2016
Aug 4, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; San Francisco Giants left fielder Nori Aoki (23) hits a home run against the Atlanta Braves in the ninth inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Oakland Athletics’ Best Option
Nori Aoki, OF
Age: 30
Nori Aoki has one of the most team-friendly deals in baseball. He’s batting .304/.370/.389 this season, and he’s also swiped 12 bags. But the most impressive thing on Aoki’s resume is his strikeout rate. This season, he’s struck out in just 5.4 percent of at-bats. That’s only slightly lower than his career average of 7.6 percent. His strikeout-to-walk ratio is 0.69, which is phenomenal considering the league average is 2.58.
Aoki would be a great addition to the Oakland Athletics because of his speed and slap-hitting ability, but there’s a very good chance that the Giants will pick up his $5.5 million team option next season. And since there aren’t many other strong outfield options, the A’s should take a look at…
The Lite Version:
David Murphy, OF
Age: 33
David Murphy doesn’t have quite the instincts on the basepaths, but he’s a very good outfielder, and he should be available next season. The Angels’ can pick up his $7 million option next season or buy out his contract for $500,000, and unless he has a stellar final two months, they’re likely to do the latter.
Murphy spent seven years in Texas before signing a big free agent contract with Cleveland. After two down years, Murphy appears to be back. Before being traded to the Los Angeles Angels at the deadline, he was batting .296/.344/.437 with the Tribe. While he’s not nearly has good as Aoki, Murphy has a 15.1 percent career strikeout rate, which is largely affected by a bad 2009 season. In fact, since 2011, he has a 13.4 percent strikeout rate and an 8.2 walk rate.
If the Angels decide not to keep Murphy, the A’s would be foolish not to pick him up. He’s susceptible to left-handed pitchers, but not to the extent that Reddick is. He platooned with Ryan Raburn in Cleveland primarily because the Indians stockpiled outfielders and could afford that luxury, but he’s a very capable everyday outfielder.
Next up, first base:
Next: First Base: Chris Davis, or...