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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 Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
(Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

If any of the Oakland A’s impending free agents are going to return, these two are the most likely

Marcus Semien

The Oakland A’s have gone out of their way to state that they want Marcus Semien back going forward. Semien has said that he wants to spend his career with the A’s. The interest is certainly there.

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The money may be able to work as well. Semien fell back to his usual production level in 2020 following an MVP caliber 2019. But he is a solid all around player, providing a bit of power, some speed, a respectable batting eye, and passable defense.

Oakland also values Semien for what he brings to the locker room. He emerged as one of the A’s leaders, especially this season, as he volunteered to make sure that the roster adhered to the league’s COVID-19 protocols. His departure would create not only a major void in the lineup, but in the locker room as well.

Other teams may want Marcus Semien, but none of them are likely to value him the way the Oakland A’s do. Chances are, he will be back in 2021.

Yusmeiro Petit

Yusmeiro Petit is the type of reliever who tends to get lost in the shuffle. He is not a candidate for saves, nor is he one of the plethora of flamethrowers that seems to be a part of every major league bullpen these days.

Instead, Petit is a solid, dependable veteran reliever who can get batters out. The A’s have used him in just about every role outside of being their closer, calling upon him to get those key outs whenever needed.

At 36 years old, and with his less than overpowering arsenal, Petit is not likely to attract significant offers in free agency. But he knows how to pitch, and how to pitch effectively. That combination works well for the A’s, who should be able to retain his services for a reasonable price.

Next. A's need top of rotation starter to take next step. dark

The Oakland A’s will have a lot of decisions to make in free agency. Retaining Yusmeiro Petit and Marcus Semien seem to be the most likely options.