The Oakland A’s are reportedly looking to improve what has already been a dominant bullpen as the trade deadline approaches.
The Oakland A’s have already begun the process of improving their roster with an eye towards the postseason. Tommy La Stella was brought in to give the A’s far more production at second, strengthening an already solid lineup.
The A’s are not done. According to reports, Oakland is now reportedly targeting bullpen help before the deadline on Monday.
The Athletics were engaged in serious talks with the Royals about Trevor Rosenthal before KC dealt the reliever to the Padres, per sources. Oakland appears to be in the hunt for a bullpen upgrade before the Trade Deadline, which is now just 46 hours away.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) August 29, 2020
In theory, the bullpen is not an issue for the A’s. They have a 1.87 ERA from their relievers, the best in baseball heading into Sunday. The trio of Liam Hendriks, Joakim Soria, and Lou Trivino have dominated this year.
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The A’s also have reinforcements coming. If A.J. Puk is able to return to the majors this season, it will be as a reliever, potentially providing another dominant arm to the stable.
Likewise, the A’s rotation has numerous question marks. Neither Sean Manaea nor Mike Fiers have pitched well this season outside of isolated instances. Shopping for an upgrade in the rotation would seemingly make more sense.
But it is a matter of what is available. Presumably, a reliever, even one with additional years of team control would cost less than a starter. Adding additional bullpen options would allow the A’s to shorten the game, and could make a major difference in the playoffs.
According to reports, the Oakland A’s are targeting additional bullpen help. While that may not seem like a need, adding another reliever could pay off in October.