Oakland Athletics’ Offseason Options: Shortstops

Apr 11, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Francisco Giants third baseman Joaquin Arias (13) is congratulated by second baseman Matt Duffy (50) after hitting a solo home run during the fourth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Joaquin Arias / 31 years old

Positions: Shortstop, Third Baseman, and Second Baseman

Bats: Right, Throws: Right

Height: 6’ 1”, Weight: 165 lb.

At one point, Arias was a more highly touted prospect than another former Yankee second baseman (first name Robinson, last name Cano) and was the choice of the Texas Rangers as the secondary piece in the 2004 Alex Rodriguez trade. While it didn’t work out as I’m sure the Rangers wanted, Arias has become a nice utility option for a trio of teams and has earned himself two rings with “that team” across the bridge.

Getting to test free agency for the second time, he might want a change of scenery and the A’s could definitely use a service-type role he can provide. Arias would be a cheap way to take some pressure off of Semien if Oakland wants to keep him at shortstop – which is the direction it looks like they’re going to take. Giving Marcus more days off, while also being able to mix in Joaquin at third and second base gives more flexibility to manager Bob Melvin, which is never a bad thing.

Next: An Old Oakland Native