Oakland A’s: Three bounceback starters to consider

The Oakland A’s have at least one opening in their starting rotation. Let’s take a look at three potential bargains they could pursue.

The Oakland A’s find themselves in a bit of a Catch-22 when it comes to the starting rotation. Although they will have an opening, they do not necessarily need to add another starter given their minor league options. However, if the A’s want to take that next step from contender to a viable World Series caliber team, they need to land a top of the rotation arm.

Of course, the latter is easier said than done, especially in the current economic landscape. Virtually every team, including the A’s, will be faced with trying to fill out the holes on their roster without a lot of money to spend. Finding bargains in free agency will be key for every team.

This means that the Oakland A’s will have plenty of competition as they look to find that needed piece. Let’s take a look at some potential bargains that they could consider.

Chris Archer

Chris Archer was expected to be the piece that would make the Pittsburgh Pirates contenders once again. Instead, he flamed out spectacularly during his time in Pittsburgh.

After being a borderline top of the rotation arm during his time in Tampa Bay, Archer was a disaster with the Pirates. In his 172 innings, he posted a 6-12 record with a 4.92 ERA and a 1.395 WHiP, striking out 203 batters with 73 walks. To make matters worse, the players sent to the Rays were key parts of their World Series run this year, while Archer underwent thoracic outlet surgery and missed all of 2020.

Understanding that his value is practically zero at this juncture, Archer is looking for a one year, make good contract. Presumably, he would be looking for a contending team, as well as one that has had a record of being able to get the most out of their pitchers. The A’s would certainly fit that bill.

If the price is right, Chris Archer could be a solid fit for the Oakland A’s. He may not be a top of the rotation arm, but he would provide another quality starter that the A’s need.

Rick Porcello

While Rick Porcello may have never returned to the form that made him the 2017 AL Cy Young winner, he could still be worth a look.

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However, Porcello has been a solid innings eater throughout his career, someone that can take the ball every fifth day and provide at least six innings an outing. He may not be a star, but he has been a reasonable solid arm, someone that can fortify the back of a major league rotation.

That was not the case in 2020. Considered a solid depth move by the Mets, Porcello absolutely cratered. He posted a 1-7 record with a 5.64 ERA and a 1.508 WHiP, truly awful numbers. While his command was still solid, with 54 strikeouts and 15 walks in his 59 innings, he was undone by a .373 batting average on balls in play against, leading to an 11.2 hit per nine inning mark.

As Porcello has been more of a ground ball pitcher throughout his career, a team with better infield defense than the Mets could make a major difference. The Oakland A’s, and their excellent defense, could lead to a bounceback season. Given his struggles last year, Porcello will not cost much, but could be a worthwhile lottery ticket.

The Oakland A’s will need to find some bargains in free agency. These three starters could be worth a look.