Let’s make one thing clear – the Oakland A’s are not going to spend money in free agency. They virtually never do in the first place, and their statements about slashing payroll down to the $40 to $50 million range make it even less likely that they will add any players of consequence. It is simply the way that the A’s do business.
However, they are going to need to fill out their roster somehow. Ten players from the 2021 roster are free agents, some of which signed elsewhere. The number of openings will only increase if the A’s expected fire sale goes through as they do not have enough players ready to contribute at the major league level.
Three free agents the Oakland A’s could bring back
With that being the case, the A’s are going to need to bring in some players. They have already made some intriguing minor league signings, but those are not likely to be enough. The A’s are going to need to sign some major league talent. As it happens, they may be able to bring back a few of their own free agents.
The Oakland A’s are going to need to some a few players once the lockout ends. Let’s look at three free agents they could bring back in 2022.
Jed Lowrie
The Oakland A’s have been able to do something that no other team can – keep Jed Lowrie healthy.
Lowrie has appeared in over 100 games just five times in his 13 years in the majors. All five of those seasons came during his three different tenures with the A’s. The one time that Lowrie missed that 100 game mark, he still made 87 appearances. They clearly figured something out.
Not only did Lowrie appear in 139 games last season, after a combined nine appearances in the previous two years, but he was productive. Despite fading in the second half, he produced a solid .245/.318/.398 batting line in his 512 plate appearances, hitting 14 homers and 28 doubles.
As Lowrie will turn 38 years old at the start of the season, and his health is questionable at best, he could be had for a relative bargain. The A’s have a possible opening at second base, especially if Tony Kemp is required to spend more time in the outfield. He could be a solid piece for Oakland once again.
Jed Lowrie is not likely to receive much attention in free agency. That makes him a perfect option for the Oakland A’s.