Five Oakland Athletics’ Offseason Targets: Left Field

Sep 9, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics left fielder Coco Crisp (4) collides into the wall on a double by Houston Astros center fielder Carlos Gomez (not pictured) during the fifth inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

This season, Oakland’s left field situation was an absolute mess. A total of eight different players at one point or another manned the position and none were able to do so effectively. A combined batting average of .199 and 110 strikeouts compared to just 52 walks is what manager Bob Melvin received from whomever he stuck out in what seemed like a cesspool for underperformance. Mark Canha got the most reps there (50 games/180 AB’s) and even his stellar rookie season – 16 home runs and 70 RBI’s – was somehow derailed by playing in left field. He only hit .222 with five HR’s and 22 RBI’s. The man who was supposed to play that position, Coco Crisp once healthy, simply couldn’t find a rhythm – .144/.221/.189 slash line – and was probably the most disappointing Athletic this entire season.

As a result of left field being probably the biggest hole currently on the Oakland roster, it must be addressed in free agency and I have compiled five leading candidates who could provide solid production, while also coming at a viable price. No, you won’t see the likes of Justin Upton, Alex Gordon, or even Yoenis Cespedes (even though we would all love to see that happen) on this list, but there is still plenty of talent that, because of the above mentioned three top-tier players, will become more affordable for the likes of the green and gold.

Next: The First Option