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White Cleat Beat

Oakland A’s: Who stays and who leaves in free agency

By David Hill

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 01: Liam Hendriks #16 of the Oakland Athletics reacts after he strikes out Nomar Mazara #30 of the Chicago White Sox to end the game and win Game Three of the American League Wild Card Round at RingCentral Coliseum on October 01, 2020 in Oakland, California. The Athletics won the game 6-4. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 01: Liam Hendriks #16 of the Oakland Athletics reacts after he strikes out Nomar Mazara #30 of the Chicago White Sox to end the game and win Game Three of the American League Wild Card Round at RingCentral Coliseum on October 01, 2020 in Oakland, California. The Athletics won the game 6-4. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images)
(Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images) /

A case can be made for the Oakland A’s to bring these players back

Robbie Grossman

Robbie Grossman was one of the biggest surprises for the Oakland A’s this season. He had reworked his swing during the COVID induced lockdown, becoming one of the A’s best hitters during the season. Even though his numbers tailed off at the end of the season, his 130 OPS+ was the second best mark of any of the regulars in the A’s lineup.

But cuts are going to need to be made somewhere. The A’s have potential options to take over in left in Seth Brown and Luis Barrera. Chad Pinder could also be an option, although he is better suited for a utility role. And, if none of those options pan out in spring training, the A’s may be able to find a cheaper replacement in free agency.

Mike Fiers

Mike Fiers was basically what the A’s were hoping for – a veteran innings eater in the middle of their rotation. Although he struggled at the start of the season, he did lead the A’s with six victories, and had a strong second half to the 2020 campaign. Even though he will turn 36 years old next year, he is the type of pitcher that a contending team would be interested in bringing in to fill out the back of the rotation.

That is essentially the issue with bringing Fiers back. The Oakland A’s have a rotation of pitchers who are basically middle of the rotation arms, although there are several with the upside to become more. In order to take that next step, they need a top of the rotation arm. Fiers, for as solid as he has been, just is not that.