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Oakland A’s front office may not change after all

By David Hill

OAKLAND, CA - JULY 9: Manager Bob Melvin #6 and Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations Billy Beane of the Oakland Athletics talk on the field during summer workouts at RingCentral Coliseum on July 9, 2020 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - JULY 9: Manager Bob Melvin #6 and Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations Billy Beane of the Oakland Athletics talk on the field during summer workouts at RingCentral Coliseum on July 9, 2020 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images) /
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After weeks of speculation, it turns out that the Oakland A’s front office may not have any changes at all this offseason.

Over the years, there has not been much turnover in the Oakland A’s front office. Billy Beane has been a member of the organization since his final year as a player in 1989, and had headed up the front office since 1997. Current general manager David Forst has been a part of the organization since 2000, and assistant GM Billy Owens moved into the front office in 2003.

But that all appeared as though it would change this offseason. Beane was expected to depart the A’s, as RedBall Acquisition Corp, of which he is the co-chair, and Fenway Sports Group LLC, were set to merge. Owens had attracted a great deal of interest amongst teams looking for a new general manager. Forst had attracted attention as well, but it was more likely that he would replace Beane as the A’s executive VP of baseball operations.

But those changes may not take place. According to Susan Slusser, MLB is not expected to approve that merger before the end of the year. As such, the A’s front office may be around for one more rodeo.

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As important as that continuity has been, that is especially the case this offseason. The A’s are facing a mass exodus of talent, with ten free agents from the 2020 roster. Although some of these holes will be filled internally, the A’s still need to revamp their bullpen and find key pieces for the starting lineup.

Having that brain trust in place will make a major difference. The A’s have been to the postseason for three consecutive years, and six out of the previous nine seasons, due to their ability to develop younger talent and find diamonds in the rough.

That will be even more important this offseason. While virtually every team will be facing financial limitations, the A’s are likely to be hit particularly hard. Having that same experienced front office overseeing their latest roster overhaul will make a difference.

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The Oakland A’s may not have any changes in their front office this offseason after all. Considering how much the roster is set to change, the A’s will still have continuity where they need it.