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Oakland A’s projected to sign one top 50 free agent this offseason

By David Hill

OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: Tommy La Stella #3 of the Oakland Athletics fields during the game against the Chicago White Sox at RingCentral Coliseum on September 30, 2020 in Oakland, California. The Athletics defeated the White Sox 5-3. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: Tommy La Stella #3 of the Oakland Athletics fields during the game against the Chicago White Sox at RingCentral Coliseum on September 30, 2020 in Oakland, California. The Athletics defeated the White Sox 5-3. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images) /
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Despite numerous holes on their roster, the Oakland A’s are only projected to sign one top 50 free agent this offseason.

The Oakland A’s impending roster turnover has been beaten into submission. By this point, everyone knows that, with their ten impending free agents, the A’s will look dramatically different next year. Whether it is through free agent signings, trades, or bringing in their own prospects, the A’s will not be the same team.

However, some familiar faces could return. Oakland is reportedly looking to bring back both Marcus Semien and Tommy La Stella, although they may not be able to afford both players. Semien may have had a down year in 2020, but both are expected to receive considerable interest in free agency.

According to projections, the A’s are expected to keep one of their middle infielders. Based on MLB Trade Rumors top 50 free agents list, the expectation is that La Stella will return, inking a two year deal worth $14 million.

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It is interesting that La Stella is projected to remain in Oakland as opposed to Semien. He is the type of free agent that virtually any team could use, especially given his ability to play either second or third. Add in his excellent contact skills and strong batting eye, and La Stella would be a fit on any team.

Semien, meanwhile, is one of the leaders of the A’s. He is considered a key piece in the locker room, part of the heart and soul of the organization. His down season may actually play into the A’s hands from a financial standpoint, but it is likely that another team will take a one year gamble and hope that he can rediscover his 2019 magic.

La Stella, however, would solve a potential problem for the A’s. He had been acquired when the platoon of Chad Pinder and Tony Kemp did not work out as hoped, leaving the A’s in need of another bat for the lineup. Although he spent just a month in Oakland, La Stella was everything the A’s had hoped for, making an impression upon the front office.

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The Oakland A’s are not expected to keep both of their free agent middle infielders. According to projections, Tommy La Stella will be the one to return.