Oakland A’s: Three realistic free agents to keep

Josh Harrison

Josh Harrison was expected to slot around the diamond when acquired by the Oakland A’s. Instead, he has become a mainstay in the lineup at second base.

While Jed Lowrie has been solid at second throughout much of the season, he is also starting to show signs of fatigue. After receiving just eight plate appearances over the past two seasons, he has appeared in over 100 games for just the fifth time in his career. Harrison’s presence has allowed Lowrie to spend time as the A’s designated hitter, keeping his bat in the lineup while giving him some rest.

This has worked as Harrison has produced beyond anyone’s expectations. Since being acquired by the A’s, he has produced a .277/.358/.404 batting line in his 53 plate appearances, hitting three doubles and a homer while stealing three bases. Those numbers continue a strong season in Washington, where he was a bargain in free agency.

Harrison may be relatively inexpensive despite his overall production this season. He received just $1 million in free agency last season despite a solid showing in 2020. With his ability to play several different positions, and the uncertainty on the A’s roster in 2022, Harrison is the type of player they should look to keep.

Josh Harrison has been a perfect fit for the Oakland A’s. He could be a part of the future as well given that he should land a reasonable contract.