How the Oakland A’s can contend in 2022
By David Hill
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.