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It is time for the Oakland A’s to bring Yusmeiro Petit back

By David Hill

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 05: Yusmeiro Petit #36 of the Oakland Athletics celebrates after retiring the side against the Houston Astros during the fifth inning in Game One of the American League Division Series at Dodger Stadium on October 05, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 05: Yusmeiro Petit #36 of the Oakland Athletics celebrates after retiring the side against the Houston Astros during the fifth inning in Game One of the American League Division Series at Dodger Stadium on October 05, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
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The Oakland A’s have not exactly done much to shore up their bullpen ahead of the 2021 season. Acquiring Nik Turley from the Pirates and selecting Dany Jimenez in the Rule V Draft are not exactly the types of moves that suggest that the A’s buzzsaw is back. The A’s still need to do more to upgrade the bullpen.

While some upgrades will be internal, there are plenty of free agents available that could make a difference in Oakland’s bullpen. One such free agent is a player they are intimately familiar with in Yusmeiro Petit.

Yusmeiro Petit a perfect fit for the Oakland A’s

The financial impact of any signing will be a key factor for the A’s. Petit is not likely to be expensive, especially as the market for 36 year old middle relievers is hardly robust. He could easily fall into Oakland’s budget.

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Petit had been everything that the A’s hoped for when he signed prior to the 2018 season. He was a workhorse in the Oakland bullpen, firing 176 innings over his 154 games in his first two seasons with the A’s. Although he led the league with 80 appearances in 2019, he did not show any wear over the course of the season.

He continued his strong performance in 2020. Petit was once again the reliever that Bob Melvin called upon most, leading the team with 26 appearances. He posted a 1.66 ERA and a 1.108 WHiP over his 21.1 innings, striking out 17 batters with five walks. Even in the abbreviated season, Petit was a weapon whenever needed.

It is entirely possible that he could return to Oakland. He is not likely to receive more than $2 to $3 million on a one year deal, a contract that would perfectly fit in the A’s budget. If he can be available for that type of deal, the A’s need to bring him back.

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The Oakland A’s need help in their bullpen. Bringing back Yusmeiro Petit may not be a headline grabbing move, but it is the type of signing that could keep the A’s atop the AL West.