Deolis Guerra was poised to have a key role in the Oakland A’s bullpen. Lou Trivino was the only returning reliever to throw more innings than Guerra in 2021, and given the status of their relief corps, he was going to be vital to the bullpen.
Those hopes went out the window during the abbreviated spring training. Guerra had left an appearance late in the spring due to forearm tightness, an always worrisome injury. The A’s worst fears were confirmed as he underwent Tommy John surgery, costing him the 2022 season and, most likely, a large portion of the 2023 campaign as well.
Deolis Guerra’s time has come and gone
Guerra was finally able to stick in the majors for a second time last year. He was a solid enough middle relief option for the A’s in 2021, posting a 4.11 ERA and a 1.112 WHiP in his 65.2 innings, striking out 62 batters with 20 walks. It may not have been an exciting profile, but he was a decent enough option for a team that appeared to be in need of major league caliber relievers.
Now, one has to wonder if his time with the A’s organization will be coming to an end. He will earn $815,000 this season as the two sides avoided arbitration, with that salary now being dead money for Oakland. Chances are, he would look to receive approximately the same amount for 2023 as he would once again enter arbitration.
But the A’s may not be willing to spend that much for Guerra. He will turn 33 years old in just a few days and will not return to action until he is already 34 years of age. As the A’s are looking to save money wherever possible, they could look to use cheaper options in the bullpen, especially if several of their young arms step forward this year. Guerra’s chance at a higher leverage role, and his time with the A’s, could have ended through no fault of his own.
Deolis Guerra is lost for the 2022 season, and, most likely, a portion of 2023 as well. His time with the Oakland A’s may be at an end this offseason.