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Oakland A’s projected to potentially land top 50 free agent

By David Hill

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - NOVEMBER 17: Pitcher Rucinski Drew #40 of NC Dinos throws in the top of first inning during the Korean Series Game One between Doosan Bears and NC Dinos at the Gocheok Skydome on November 17, 2020 in Seoul, South Korea. (Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images)
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - NOVEMBER 17: Pitcher Rucinski Drew #40 of NC Dinos throws in the top of first inning during the Korean Series Game One between Doosan Bears and NC Dinos at the Gocheok Skydome on November 17, 2020 in Seoul, South Korea. (Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images) /
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The Oakland A’s are not expected to spend much, if anything, in free agency this season. However, at least one area projects the A’s as a possible landing spot for a top 50 free agent.

MLB Trade Rumors created their annual list of the top 50 free agents this offseason. It was not a surprise that the A’s were not listed as a potential landing spot at all for the first 49. Yet, when one came to Drew Rucinski as the 50th best free agent, there they were as a possibility with one of the MLBTR panelists even picking Oakland as his destination.

Oakland A’s considered landing spot for Drew Rucinski

It would be fair to have to look Rucinski up to find out who he is. He had not pitched in the majors since 2018 and had been a sub replacement level reliever in the parts of four seasons he was on a major league mound. In that time, he posted a 5.33 ERA and a 1.593 WHiP in his 54 innings, striking out 44 batters with 23 walks.

That may have changed in the past four seasons. Rucinski signed with the NC Dinos in the Korean Baseball Organization and became a star, posting a 3.06 ERA and a 1.190 WHiP over his 732.2 innings, striking out 657 batters with 191 walks. Those numbers should garner attention stateside.

It is fair to wonder how well Rucinski will translate to the majors after his sojourn overseas. Chris Flexen and Merrill Kelly have found success, but Aaron Brooks, Josh Lindblom, and Dan Straily did not. But all it takes is for one team to believe that they could have a potential bargain.

That may well be the A’s. The A’s are not going to be shopping at the upper tiers of free agency. They are not going to be in the middle or lower tiers either. But if they can find a potential bargain in a player such as Rucinski, that may be an expenditure worth making.

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The Oakland A’s are considered a possible landing spot for one top 50 free agent. Drew Rucinski may not be a big name, but he could fit the A’s.