Oakland A’s: Three players that need to step up in 2021
The Oakland A’s have made the postseason in each of the last three years. If they are going to make it four in a row, these players need to step up in 2021.
The Oakland A’s have been in the midst of an impressive run. Despite a low payroll, the A’s have found their way to the postseason in each of the past three years. While they came up short yet again in 2020, they were able to get past the first round for the first time since 2006, showing signs of progress.
That success means nothing for 2021. Oakland will have a vastly different team going forward as ten players are free agents. Although the core of the roster essentially remains intact, the A’s roster turnover will still have a major effect on the upcoming season.
In order for the A’s to make it four consecutive seasons in the postseason, they will need to get production from different sources. The A’s should be a much younger team in 2021, and will need to have some of those players take a major step forward.
Which players need to step up for the Oakland A’s in 2021? Here are some candidates.
Ramon Laureano
Ramon Laureano appeared to be on the cusp of stardom entering the 2021 season. However, that train never really left the station.
Laureano was still a valuable player, posting 1.3 bWAR over the course of the abbreviated season. However, his production waned compared to previous years. He produced a disappointing .213/.338/.364 batting line in his 222 plate appearances, hitting eight doubles and six homers.
There is one area that he already stepped up in last year. Following his incident with the Astros, Laureano began to emerge as one of the leaders of the A’s. With the possible departure of Marcus Semien, who had been the heart and soul of the club, the A’s will need someone to step into that role. Laureano could be the player.
While Laureano has been one of the premier defensive players in the game, he also needs to get back to his 2019 form in the batter’s box. He appeared to be a viable threat from the leadoff spot, possessing intriguing power and solid speed while getting on base at a strong rate.
The Oakland A’s will need that Ramon Laureano again in 2021. Hopefully, he can be that player for them.
Jesus Luzardo
The Oakland A’s envision that Jesus Luzardo will one day be the ace of their pitching staff. He could take a major step towards that goal in 2021.
Luzardo tantalized with his potential in his September call up in 2019. Pitching in a relief role, he quickly earned a place in high leverage spots as Bob Melvin did not shy away from throwing the talented lefty into the fire. He allowed just two runs on five hits and three walks in his 12 innings, striking out 16 batters.
That performance led to high hopes for the 2020 season. He posted a solid rookie campaign, with a 4.12 ERA and a 1.271 WHiP over his 59 innings, striking out 59 batters with 17 walks. However, he was very inconsistent, looking like that ace in one start while struggling to get outs in his next outing.
While that was a decent season, the A’s biggest flaw with their 2020 roster was the lack of a true ace for the rotation. It may be unreasonable to become that staff ace in 2021, but so long as Luzardo can show signs that he is heading in that direction, the A’s will be satisfied.
The Oakland A’s need to see more from Jesus Luzardo next year. Taking another step towards being their ace would be just what they need.
Frankie Montas
Let’s face it – the Oakland A’s are not about to pony up for an ace in free agency. If they are to find one, it will be a pitcher that is already on the roster.
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Of the current A’s, Frankie Montas seems to be the most likely pitcher to take that step to being an ace in 2021. The A’s had hoped that he would be that ace in 2020, giving him the ball for Opening Day. Over his first four starts that appeared to be the case, until he was brought down to earth by what was supposedly a minor back injury.
Those struggles over his final two months led to a mediocre overall season. Montas posted a 5.60 ERA and a 1.509 WHiP, striking out 60 batters with 23 walks in his 53 innings. He had appeared to be a front runner for the AL Cy Young through his first four starts, only to completely crater afterwards.
With a full offseason to recuperate, Montas should be healthy for the 2021 season. He showed the potential that the A’s were hoping for before that injury, leading to the belief that he could continue to take a step forward.
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He is going to have to. If the Oakland A’s are going to find an ace for the 2021 season, Frankie Montas might be their best option.