Oakland A’s: Three bounceback starters to consider

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.