Oakland A’s: Three bargain relievers to look at in free agency
The Oakland A’s are going to need to rebuild their bullpen on a budget. Here are three relievers that could fit that description.
The Oakland A’s bullpen was a strength in 2020 during the regular season. With a seemingly unending supply of quality arms, and the presence of Liam Hendriks for the ninth inning, the A’s had a buzzsaw to close out the game.
That may change in 2021. Four relievers, including Hendriks, are set for free agency. The A’s simply will not be able to keep all of them, especially given the sheer volume of free agents that they have and budgetary concerns.
As is usually the case, the A’s will need to find some bargains in free agency in places where they may not have an internal option. This includes the bullpen, as they simply may not have enough arms ready that can fill those roles.
Let’s take a look at three possible bargains that the Oakland A’s could take a look at.
Sean Doolittle
The one time A’s closer could be a possible option in 2021 as well.
Sean Doolittle has struggled over the past two seasons, posting a 4.26 ERA and a 1.345 WHiP in his last 67.2 innings. While he still struck out 72 batters, his command just has not been the same as in the past His 19 walks are solid, but Doolittle has a career 1.8 BB/9 rate. Likewise, his home run rate has skyrocketed, as he has allowed 14 homers. Those struggles led to Doolittle losing the closer job at the end of the 2019 season.
He continued to struggle this year, pitching just 7.1 innings over 11 games. Those struggles could have a reason – Doolittle missed time with both right knee inflammation and an oblique injury. However, he will likely see a depressed market in light of those struggles over the past two seasons. This makes him the perfect buy low target, especially for a team that is intimately familiar with him already.
The Oakland A’s former closer could become the closer of the future. If Sean Doolittle is healthy, he could be a perfect fit.
Brandon Workman
A solid reliever from 2017 through 2019, Brandon Workman tanked in a difficult 2020 campaign.
In those three years, Workman became a key part of the Red Sox bullpen. He posted a 2.59 ERA and a 1.127 WHiP, striking out 178 batters with 72 walks in his 152.2 innings. However, there were some warning signs, as his walk rate climbed from 2.5 BB/9 in 2017 to 5.7 BB/9 in 2019.
Everything fell apart for Workman in 2020. Although he showed some signs of a turnaround prior to his trade to the Phillies, he was unable to sustain that production. In his 19.2 innings, he posted a 5.95 ERA and a 2.237 WHiP, striking out 23 batters while allowing 13 walks and 31 hits.
His struggles could present an opportunity for the Oakland A’s. Workman has been a solid reliever in recent times, and if he can get his command back, could be a late inning option. It is possible that the A’s could fix those issues, and get him back to being the pitcher he was just a year ago.
Brandon Workman could be another intriguing lottery ticket for the Oakland A’s. If he can rediscover his command, he could be a solid option for the bullpen.
Sergio Romo
Sergio Romo is not going to excite anyone as a free agent signing, but he could be well worth the money.
More from White Cleat Beat
- Zach Logue yet another disappointing Oakland A’s trade return
- Luis Barrera heading to familiar foe in Los Angeles Angels
- Looking back at Ruben Sierra with the Oakland A’s
- San Francisco Giants showing Oakland A’s offseason could be worse
- Lucas Luetge what Oakland A’s need in bullpen
Romo has filled a variety of roles over the years, being an All Star closer and a solid setup man. He even made five starts for the Rays in 2018, the first pitcher to be given the honor of being an opener. Given that the A’s will have multiple needs in the bullpen once free agency starts, having an option like Romo would be invaluable.
He had a solid 2020 campaign, although his numbers are not exactly eye popping. Over his 20 innings last season, he recorded a 4.05 ERA and a 1.150 WHiP, striking out 23 batters with seven walks. However, if one removed a disastrous outing on August 26 where he allowed three runs on two hits and a walk while recording just one out, Romo’s numbers are that much better.
There is one obstacle for Romo being available. The Twins do hold a $5 million option for 2021, with a $250,000 buyout. Normally, it would be an easy decision to pick up that option, but with teams facing a payroll crunch due to the pandemic, Romo could be available.
Next. Reviewing the A's free agents. dark
If that is the case, the Oakland A’s should pounce. He could be exactly the piece they need in the back of the bullpen.