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Lou Trivino once again Oakland A’s closer of the future

By David Hill

OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 20: Lou Trivino #62 of the Oakland Athletics pitches during the game against the San Francisco Giants at RingCentral Coliseum on September 20, 2020 in Oakland, California. The Giants defeated the Athletics 14-2. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 20: Lou Trivino #62 of the Oakland Athletics pitches during the game against the San Francisco Giants at RingCentral Coliseum on September 20, 2020 in Oakland, California. The Giants defeated the Athletics 14-2. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images) /
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It had been expected that Lou Trivino would be the Oakland A’s closer of the future. He had a stellar rookie campaign in 2018, posting a 2.92 ERA and a 1.1135 WHiP in his 74 innings, striking out 82 batters as part of the bridge to Blake Treinen. The expectation was that, when the A’s closer left in free agency, Trivino would be the one to take his place.

That would not be the case. As Treinen struggled in 2019, the A’s turned to Liam Hendriks to take over in the ninth inning. In theory, that would have been Trivino’s role, but he also struggled that year, ending the season with a 5.25 ERA and a 1.533 WHiP.

Lou Trivino staking his claim as Oakland A’s closer of the future again

After a solid 2020 season, there was talk that Trivino could be part of the closer conversation this year. That ended in February, as the A’s signed Sergio Romo and then followed by inking Trevor Rosenthal to a one year deal. If Trivino was going to get his chance, it would have to wait.

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His showing in spring training may have moved that timeline to 2022. Trivino has been dominant, allowing just one hit and three walks over 7.1 scoreless innings, striking out eight batters. Yes, it is spring training, but after relative inconsistency during his three years in the majors, the A’s needed to see this type of performance.

Trivino has also begun to change the conversation. Romo, Rosenthal, and Jake Diekman are all free agents after this season. The A’s are going to need to find someone to lock down the ninth inning next year, and if that candidate can be in house, that makes their job in free agency that much easier.

For now, Trivino could be that player. Whether or not that will be the case will be determined based on his performance this year, but if he can pitch at his 2020 level, the A’s can forget about having to find a new closer in free agency. They will already have the next in line on their roster.

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Lou Trivino had been considered the Oakland A’s closer of the future. With his performance in spring training, that is the case once more.