Oakland A’s have already made decision on Stephen Piscotty

In theory, the Oakland A’s have a decision to make this offseason. Stephen Piscotty has a team option for $15 million for 2023 with a $1 million buyout. It is the only team option that the A’s have on their roster, and the only decision they have to make aside from trying to unload more salary for Fisher’s bottom line.

This should be an easy decision to make. The A’s front office likely has that $1 million check already written out, ready to hand it to Piscotty the second the final out is made this year. Unless he signs for the league minimum, or a minor league deal, there is virtually zero chance he is back in Oakland in 2023.

Stephen Piscotty decision easiest of offseason for Oakland A’s

It would not have mattered if Piscotty was healthy and productive. He was never going to see that $15 million in Oakland, especially when ownership is allergic to opening their pocketbooks. It was a matter of playing for his next contract on one of the other 29 teams.

But Piscotty has not done that. He has not even been an average bat since 2018, the last time he appeared in at least 100 games. Since then, he has produced a .231/.288/.380 batting line in 887 plate appearances over parts of the last four years, hitting 28 homers and 35 doubles. That is not the type of production anyone would have hoped for.

It is also not the type of production that is likely to land Piscotty much attention on the open market. Some team will likely take a flier on him, hoping he can recapture his performance from his earlier days and stay healthy. As he would be 32 years old next year, it is entirely possible.

But, chances are, that team will not be the A’s. And it certainly will not be for a $15 million price tag. That $1 million buyout could represent a higher salary than he gets in 2023.

The Oakland A’s have already made their decision on Stephen Piscotty. It is just a matter of time before it becomes official.