Homer Bailey back in Oakland A’s organization

Homer Bailey had a brief stint with the Oakland A’s. He had been acquired from the Kansas City Royals ahead of the 2019 trade deadline, with minor league utility man Kevin Merrill heading back in return. The A’s needed rotation depth, and Bailey was able to provide just that through the end of the season.

Now, after his 2020 season was ruined by injury, he is back. Bailey has signed a minor league deal with the A’s and is currently in Triple-A.

Homer Bailey worth a look for Oakland A’s

Bailey may not be the pitcher he was in his heyday with the Reds, but he has improved from his time as a batting practice machine from 2015 through 2018. He had been a solid back of the rotation arm in that season with the Royals and A’s, performing well enough to earn a $7 million deal from Minnesota that offseason.

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In his rebound year, Bailey posted a combined 13-9 record with a 4.57 ERA and a 1.316 WHiP over his 163.1 innings, striking out 149 batters with 53 walks. He did a commendable job of keeping the ball in the park, allowing 21 homers a season after he gave up 23 home runs in 106.1 innings. He was a solid piece on a playoff team.

Bailey showed the potential to be that again last year before his season came to a halt. Although he only lasted eight innings, he allowed just three runs on six hits and three walks, striking out seven. That type of production, had he been able to continue that for the season, would have quite valuable.

For now, Bailey will serve as a depth piece in the A’s system. There are questions about their rotation, and the team could use another veteran option in case of injury. Likewise, his presence could help those pitchers close to the majors, and maybe even get Jesus Luzardo back on track.

The Oakland A’s have brought Homer Bailey back on a minor league deal. He is certainly worth a look as a veteran depth option.