Oakland Athletics: Three free agents to consider
Major League Baseball may be in the midst of a roster freeze, but once those restrictions end, there are a few free agents the Oakland Athletics should consider.
As it currently stands, the Oakland Athletics roster is in solid shape. The lineup is anchored by the likes of Matt Olson, Matt Chapman, Khris Davis, and Marcus Semien, providing formidable power. The rotation has been bolstered by a pair of prospects, A.J. Puk and Jesus Luzardo, joining a solid trio. While there may be question marks about the bullpen, there is plenty of potential as well, especially if Liam Hendriks can replicate his impressive 2019 campaign.
However, there are questions surrounding the A’s as well. As is the case with many smaller market teams, there is questionable depth at a number of key positions. At catcher, the top three players on the depth chart are all rookies, a risky proposition at best. The pitching staff, while it has a great deal of potential, also has had issues with injuries.
Fortunately, there are still quite a few solid free agents out there to choose from. With the likelihood that rosters will be expanded beyond the original 26th player, there is an opportunity to make sure that there is plenty of depth on the major league side. Even if players sign minor league contracts, there is still plenty of opportunity to return to the majors.
Let’s take a look at three free agents that could make sense for the Oakland Athletics once the roster freeze comes to an end.
Russell Martin
Russell Martin may not be the player he once was, but he would be a veteran presence at a position with a lot of inexperience.
In theory, the catcher position is taken care of throughout the foreseeable future. The Oakland Athletics will be sending top prospect Sean Murphy as their starter, with another rookie, Austin Allen, as his projected backup. Following that duo is another rookie, Jonah Heim. Yes, the A’s would not need to worry about finding a backstop if that trio develops as hoped, but young catchers often struggle.
Adding a veteran catcher, like Martin, to the mix would presumably help the transition to the majors. He had settled into a backup role with the Dodgers last season, producing a relatively uninspiring .220/.337/.330 batting line in 249 plate appearances, hitting five doubles and six homers. That lack of production, coupled with his age, likely explains why Martin remains a free agent.
However, there is still something that Martin can offer. As a presumed third catcher on an expanded roster, he can fill a role as a veteran mentor for Murphy, helping him through the rigors of the season. Martin has also spent time at third over the past few years, making him a possible option if Matt Chapman needs a day off.
Sometimes, a player’s value goes beyond what they can provide on a stat sheet. That would be the case with Russell Martin, as his veteran presence could pay dividends for the Oakland Athletics.
Andrew Cashner
Andrew Cashner may seem like a strange option for the Oakland Athletics, but he had been a solid innings eater who had made a successful transition to the bullpen late last year.
Over the years, Cashner has been a generally league average pitcher who typically takes the ball every fifth day. In the past seven years, he has reached the 150 inning mark or made at least 25 starts five times each. Last year, he only made 23 starts, but that was due to being sent to the bullpen following a disastrous start to his time in Boston.
And yet, it is that time in Boston that makes Cashner somewhat intriguing. Although he was a disaster as a starter, Cashner showed plenty of potential in the bullpen. Aided by a bump in velocity, he posted a 3.86 ERA and a 1.243 WHiP in 23.1 innings as a reliever, striking out 21 batters with 13 walks.
Cashner could presumably serve as a long reliever, either working his way into a more prominent role in the bullpen, or possibly getting stretched out in the event of an injury in the rotation. Unlike the A’s current depth options, there would not be any concern about stunting his development by using him as a reliever.
Andrew Cashner would not be an exciting signing, but he could be a solid option for the Oakland Athletics. His potential to fill a variety of roles on the pitching staff makes him worth a look.
Austin Jackson
In theory, the Oakland Athletics have plenty of outfield depth, with Robbie Grossman as the fourth outfielder and super utility man Chad Pinder as an option.
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The problem is that the A’s also have an unsettled position at second base. Tony Kemp, who could also play in the outfield, and Franklin Barreto are the nominal favorites to platoon at the position. The problem is that neither has a track record of sustained success at the major league level, which could push Pinder into a more regular role at the keystone.
Should that happen, the A’s will need another depth option in the outfield. Austin Jackson could be a solid fit as a fifth outfielder, a player with decent power and on base skills who can play all three positions.
After sitting out the entire 2019 season, Jackson indicated that he is looking to return to the majors, willing to sign if a team was interested. At this point, he would likely command a minor league deal, with the chance to make the majors should he perform well once spring training resumes. If he can return to his 2017 form, Jackson would be a bargain.
Next. Salazar worth a gamble. dark
The Oakland Athletics could still use more depth in the outfield. Austin Jackson would certainly be worth a look.