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It sounds as though Chad Pinder is done with Oakland A’s

By David Hill

Jun 16, 2022; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Oakland Athletics left fielder Chad Pinder (10) prior to the game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 16, 2022; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Oakland Athletics left fielder Chad Pinder (10) prior to the game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports /
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There was reason to hope that Chad Pinder would be different. That, even in the midst of yet another rebuild and with an owner that refused to spend money, they would be able to keep Pinder around.

Their actions had indicated such a possibility. Although he had been slated to reach free agency after the 2022 season, the A’s refused to trade him at the deadline. There were concerns that Pinder, as he was in the middle of a down year, may not fetch the type of package that the A’s had hoped for. However, his veteran leadership and defensive versatility were considered assets that any team could use.

Chad Pinder likely gone from Oakland A’s

That combination would also be a perfect fit for the A’s moving forward. Manager Mark Kotsay has stated that he would love for Pinder to return due to his veteran presence, versatility, and what he meant in the locker room. Pinder himself said that he hoped to be back as he wanted to be part of what the A’s are building.

But that does not seem to be the case. Jessica Kleinschmidt relayed comments from team president Billy Beane that appeared to indicate that Pinder is as good as gone. Beane’s statement that, “As far as his future with the A’s, I will say this – he has skills that I think you’re going to see some teams have – they’re going to have interest in him.” Beane went on to say that he expects other teams to be aggressive in their pursuit and that there will be competition “if in fact we’re able to try and retain him.”

In other words, it seems that the checkbook is locked up tight once again. That should not be much of a surprise given that John Fisher is far more interested in his bottom line and profit margin than building a competitive roster. Pinder, even coming off of a down season and likely a relative bargain, would be far too expensive for their tastes. His time in Oakland is likely coming to an end.

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Chad Pinder would be the perfect player for the Oakland A’s to bring back in free agency. The problem is that other teams will be interested as well.