3 free agent bargains for Oakland A’s

Jake McGee

It is amazing how quickly it all fell apart for Jake McGee.

The San Francisco Giants closer in 2021 when he notched 31 saves in their 107 win season, he was a shell of himself in 2022. He pitched for three different teams last season, posting a combined 6.81 ERA and a 1.432 WHiP over his 37 innings, striking out 25 batters with 12 walks. Everything that could have gone wrong for McGee did.

At 36 years old, and with 650 major league games on his arm, it is fair to wonder how much is left in the tank. His 6.1 K/9 rate was the lowest of his career while his walk rate ticked up to the same levels as his time in Colorado.

But McGee had success just a year ago. He is also a left handed reliever who has struck out over a batter per inning in his career. Although he is likely looking at a minor league deal this offseason, he is the type of pitcher that could generate plenty of interest. For a team such as the Oakland A’s, he would be a perfect option to bring in to help stabilize the back end of the bullpen.

Left handed relievers with a track record of success will keep getting chances. The A’s should be the next stop for Jake McGee.