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Oakland A’s: Say goodbye to Andrew Chafin

By David Hill

Sep 8, 2021; Oakland, California, USA; Oakland Athletics relief pitcher Andrew Chafin (39) signals to his catcher during the ninth inning against the Chicago White Sox at RingCentral Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 8, 2021; Oakland, California, USA; Oakland Athletics relief pitcher Andrew Chafin (39) signals to his catcher during the ninth inning against the Chicago White Sox at RingCentral Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports /
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Andrew Chafin was exactly what the Oakland A’s needed him to be. He was brought in to stabilize the back of the A’s bullpen and did his job well, quickly becoming one of Bob Melvin’s trusted relievers. Even though Oakland fell short in their quest to reach the playoffs, it was not because of Chafin.

His success, and subsequent heavy usage, turned out to be profitable for him as well. He had a clause in his contract that paid him $125,000 for reaching 50, 55, 60, and 65 appearances on the season. With the Cubs and A’s in desperate need of useful relief pitching, he hit all of those marks. That also leads to an increase in his option for 2022.

Andrew Chafin will cost too much for Oakland A’s

In theory, the A’s could keep Chafin for the upcoming season. He has a mutual option worth $5.75 million with a $500,000 buyout. Chafin may exercise his end of the deal, since even though he pitched quite well, he may not find that same amount on the open market.

He also will not get that salary from the A’s. The team has not displayed any interest in actually spending any money whatsoever, with Billy Beane saying that there will be many difficult decisions to be made this offseason due to payroll.

One has to assume that letting Chafin depart via free agency will be one of those decisions. Chances are, that will not be one of the difficult decisions that Beane spoke of, for as solid as Chafin was, the A’s are not inclined to spend much on their relievers. Unless, of course, that reliever is willing to take a large chunk of deferred money.

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Andrew Chafin was exactly what the Oakland A’s needed last year. Chances are, he will continue to be a solid reliever in 2022, just for another team.