Mark Kotsay hoping Chad Pinder returns to Oakland A’s in 2023

The Oakland A’s have one impending free agent left on their roster – utility man Chad Pinder.

It was a surprise that Pinder was not dealt at the trade deadline. His ability to play virtually anywhere on the diamond, and the respect he has in the clubhouse, made him a player that would have been valued. The Padres, in particular, managed by A’s former manager Bob Melvin, appeared to be a perfect landing spot. Instead, he remained in Oakland for the rest of the year.

Chad Pinder may not be leaving Oakland A’s if everyone gets their way

For his part, Pinder does not want to leave. He said that he remembers being one of those young players that the A’s were hoping would lead them back to the postseason during his early career. To see that as a veteran is “fun to watch” and that he would want to continue to be a part of that.

Likewise, manager Mark Kotsay wants Pinder to return as well, saying that they would “love to have Pinder back.” That makes sense looking beyond his production as he would be a strong mentor for the upcoming crop of youngsters, someone who had been in that situation and knows what it takes to bring the team to the postseason.

Pinder could also be a bargain for the A’s. He is in the midst of his worst full season in the majors, having posted an 85 OPS+ with 12 homers and 17 doubles in his 362 plate appearances. He has drawn just 14 walks with 114 strikeouts thus far, both his strikeout and walk rates the worst of his career.

But sometimes those numbers are not the important aspect. Such is the case here as Pinder’s value goes beyond what he brings on the diamond. He can be that mentor that the A’s need, even if their modus operandi is not to spend money in the offseason.

Chad Pinder wants to come back to the Oakland A’s and the coaching staff wants him back. Now it is a matter of getting a deal done in the offseason.