It was understandable that we would be worried about the Oakland A’s offseason. By the time February rolled around, the only news from the organization involved a lack of financial flexibility and the departures of key free agents. With the improvements made by the Astros and Angels, it was fair to wonder if the A’s would finish third as some places projected.
Then February happened. The A’s offseason finally kicked into gear as they began making moves, adding to their bullpen and attempting to fix their lineup. It just took time for these moves to take place, as they waited for those needed players to fall to them.
Oakland A’s offseason worked out in the end
It all began with the A’s trade of Khris Davis. They got their shortstop in Elvis Andrus, a two year option to ensure that either Robert Puason or Nick Allen are ready to take over the position. With the money saved in that trade, the A’s brought back Mike Fiers taking care of a depth piece for the rotation.
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The A’s were also able to find other needed pieces. Jed Lowrie is back, and if healthy, will be in the mix for the starting role at second base. Mitch Moreland was brought in to add more pop to the designated hitter role and to back up at first. But most importantly, the A’s finally started rebuilding their bullpen, a key strength for the team last year.
In just over a week, the A’s added three new relievers. Adam Kolarek was brought in via trade but did not exactly cost much. Sergio Romo and Trevor Rosenthal help shore up the latter innings, with Rosenthal having signed a creative contract to come to Oakland. Yusmeiro Petit is not going to get headlines, but he has been a solid reliever throughout his career.
During that time, the narrative has changed. As much as the A’s would have wanted to keep Marcus Semien and Tommy La Stella, they were able to pivot and find options. These moves may be enough to keep them atop the AL West.
The Oakland A’s are going to have questions in the 2021-22 offseason. But for now, as disappointing as this offseason may have started, it worked out in the end.