Oakland Athletics still looking for shortstop of the future
By David Hill
The Oakland Athletics are likely going to have to address the shortstop position this offseason. While that happens, they also need to find their shortstop of the future.
At this point, it is likely that the Oakland Athletics will need to find their shortstop of the future. Marcus Semien is set to become a free agent at the conclusion of the 2020 season, and is likely outside of the A’s budget.
In theory, Oakland could look to extend Semien. The problem is that he picked the 2019 campaign for a career year, posting a .285/.369/.522 batting line while hitting 43 doubles and 33 homers. His defensive concerns are a thing of the past, as he has consistently displayed above average range and has saved the A’s nine runs over the past three seasons. Semien may never be a Gold Glove caliber shortstop, but he is no longer the butcher he had once been.
As the A’s chance to extend Semien for a team friendly deal has likely passed, they will need to address the shortstop position in the offseason. However, whatever player that the A’s bring in may only be a stopgap, as they need to find their long term answer at the position. Fortunately, the A’s have several promising shortstops in the minors that could fit that description.
Let’s take a look through the candidates and see which of these players could become the Oakland Athletics shortstop of the future.