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Oakland A’s: Constructing the ideal Opening Day lineup

By David Hill

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - AUGUST 26: Matt Chapman #26 of the Oakland Athletics fields a ground ball against the Texas Rangers in the bottom of the ninth inning at Globe Life Field on August 26, 2020 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - AUGUST 26: Matt Chapman #26 of the Oakland Athletics fields a ground ball against the Texas Rangers in the bottom of the ninth inning at Globe Life Field on August 26, 2020 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images)
(Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images) /

The Oakland A’s Opening Day lineup is going to be different than it has been in recent years. Due to a plethora of free agents, the A’s have three spots in the lineup that are currently unsettled. Although the core of the roster remains the same, plenty of questions remain.

Meanwhile, the days are rapidly passing during the offseason. Spring training is just around the corner, and while free agency is picking up, a multitude of players remain unsigned. This could potentially work as a boon for Oakland, but the A’s would need to actually pony up the cash to bring these players in.

But that does not mean that we cannot speculate. The A’s have most of their lineup locked into place, but the rest of the Opening Day lineup could be different than in years past. Let us take a look at what may be the Oakland A’s ideal lineup when the season begins.

The Oakland A’s catcher and DH are set

Catcher – Sean Murphy

There is no question that, barring injury, Sean Murphy will be the starting catcher on Opening Day. He shook off a slow start to the 2020 season to post a solid .233/.364/.457 batting line, hitting seven homers and five doubles in 140 plate appearances. Not only did he lead the A’s in OPS+ last year, but he showed some of the promise defensively that led scouts to project him as a future Gold Glove winner. Murphy will hold down his spot as the Opening Day catcher for years to come.

Designated hitter – Khris Davis

In this case, Khris Davis is going to be in the lineup because of his contract. He is set to receive $16.75 million during the upcoming season, and will not be tethered to the bench to begin the year. However, it is fair to wonder what the Oakland A’s will receive from Davis in the lineup, especially after his .200/.303/.329 batting line with two homers and five doubles in 99 plate appearances in 2020.