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Oakland A’s: Three bargain relievers to look at in free agency

By David Hill

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 07: Brandon Workman #44 of the Philadelphia Phillies in action against the New York Mets at Citi Field on September 07, 2020 in New York City. The Phillies defeated the Mets 9-8 in ten innings. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 07: Brandon Workman #44 of the Philadelphia Phillies in action against the New York Mets at Citi Field on September 07, 2020 in New York City. The Phillies defeated the Mets 9-8 in ten innings. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
(Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /

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.