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Oakland A’s still negotiating with Marcus Semien

By David Hill

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 30: Marcus Semien #10 of the Oakland Athletics throws to first base throwing out Jose Abreu #79 of the Chicago White Sox during the six inning of Game Two of the American League Wild Card Round at RingCentral Coliseum on September 30, 2020 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 30: Marcus Semien #10 of the Oakland Athletics throws to first base throwing out Jose Abreu #79 of the Chicago White Sox during the six inning of Game Two of the American League Wild Card Round at RingCentral Coliseum on September 30, 2020 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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The Oakland A’s are still looking to keep one of their own, as they have reportedly continued to negotiate with Marcus Semien.

The offseason has been a quiet one for the Oakland A’s. There has been talk that they would like to keep both Marcus Semien and Tommy La Stella in town, but aside from those statements, there has been little happening with the A’s in free agency.

That may be changing soon. Not only have the A’s been linked to Andrew Benintendi in trade rumors, but they are also staying in touch with Semien’s representatives.

Oakland’s front office has been adamant that they want to bring Semien back, citing his leadership on and off the diamond. He is the longest tenured player on the A’s, someone that can help guide the younger players through the rigors of the season.

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Semien has been a solid player over the course of his major league career. He has produced a .254/.322/.425 batting line, hitting 115 homers and 170 doubles in his 3620 plate appearances. Those numbers are skewed due to his career year in 2019, which he followed up by producing his worst major league season last year.

Those struggles in 2020 lead to the hope that the A’s will be able to retain their long time shortstop. Oakland had declined to make the qualifying offer to Semien, partially due to their financial limitations, and partially due to his struggles last season. It is fair to wonder if he will ever be able to replicate his career 2019 campaign.

Yet that is not deterring teams from their pursuit. Semien is still one of the top shortstops in the market, and teams are also interested in plugging him in at different positions. If there is going to be a bidding war for his services, the A’s are likely on the outside looking in.

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The Oakland A’s are still looking to bring Marcus Semien back. It remains to be seen if this will be successful.