How the Oakland A’s can contend in 2022
Expectations are low for the Oakland A’s heading into 2022. Considering that they traded their top two pitchers, their star first baseman, and a Gold Glove third baseman, it is no surprise that most prognosticators are picking the A’s to finish at the bottom of the AL West.
But there is always hope. Even with those moves and the desire to slash salary, there is hope that the A’s can contend. It may be a very slim hope, but there is that ray nonetheless. Let’s take a look at what needs to go right for the A’s to compete in 2022.
How the Oakland A’s can compete in 2022
Previously highly regarded prospects step up
It is easy to look at the trades the Oakland A’s made and to be disappointed with the returns. Shea Langeliers was the top prospect received in those deals, and he profiles as a glove first catcher with a somewhat questionable hit tool.
However, the A’s did receive a couple of players that had been highly regarded before. Cristian Pache and Kevin Smith had been top prospects in their system before but never really had a chance at the major league level. Smith was blocked in the Blue Jays organization while Pache had struggled in his limited time with the Braves.
The A’s also have several formerly well regarded pitchers that are ready to make an impact. James Kaprielian showed that he could be a solid major league arm last season and could take another step forward in 2022. Daulton Jefferies is finally going to get his chance this season as well as he should slot into the back of the A’s rotation. If he can replicate his minor league success, he could emerge as a solid arm. Likewise, if Brent Honeywell can stay healthy, he could emerge as well.
The same is true in the bullpen where a pair of former starters have found a home. Domingo Acevedo has a high spin fastball that has been difficult to barrel in the minors and could lead to a high leverage role for the A’s in 2022. Manager Mark Kotsay has plans to use A.J. Puk as a fireman in a similar role to what Josh Hader did early in his major league career.
This is a lot to ask for in one season. But sometimes, all a player needs is a chance to make an impact.
Sean Murphy needs a breakout season
The Oakland A’s lineup may be better than anticipated. Tony Kemp had a strong showing in 2021, Ramon Laureano is a solid player and will improve the roster when he is back from suspension, and Jed Lowrie is a professional hitter.
The key to the lineup may be Sean Murphy. His production last season was a disappointment as he put together a .216/.306/.405 batting line in his 448 plate appearances, hitting 17 homers and 23 doubles. While the power was solid and he won a Gold Glove behind the plate, Murphy needs to show more with the bat.
That could happen as soon as this year. Murphy ranked in the 75th percentile in barrel rate and was in the 62nd percentile in hard hit rate. His expected batting line of .240/.337/.441 last season would be a drastic improvement over his actual performance.
If Murphy can get better luck with the batted ball, he changes the complexion of the A’s lineup. There is some power potential with Seth Brown, but that is really it in terms of a home run hitter. Murphy could be that option.
The Oakland A’s have a decent enough lineup. If Sean Murphy can have a breakout campaign, it suddenly gets a lot more dangerous.
Walking away from Elvis Andrus and Stephen Piscotty
The Oakland A’s would love nothing more than to trade Elvis Andrus and Stephen Piscotty to further lower their payroll. That just is not going to happen.
Andrus is due $14.25 million this year, with $7.25 million being paid by the Rangers. He also has a $15 million option for 2023 that vests with 550 plate appearances this season. Considering that he has not been a useful bat since 2017 and that his glove is a disaster, there is no way the A’s are getting rid of him.
Although Piscotty has also been a disaster, there is at least hope he can turn his career around. He has battled injuries over the past two seasons, leading to his entirely unpalatable production. However, there is a chance that, if he is healthy, he can redeem himself this season.
Otherwise, the A’s have to bite the bullet and move on. Nick Allen’s glove is ready and he has displayed far more with the bat than expected in the minors. Likewise, Luis Barrera deserves a chance to show if he can be a solid major league piece. There is no reason to keep dead weight on the roster, especially as the A’s are looking to find their future core.
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The Oakland A’s hate throwing away money. In the cases of Elvis Andrus and Stephen Piscotty, they may need to.