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Free agent Brendan McKay worth Oakland A’s interest

By David Hill

Mar 12, 2020; Port Charlotte, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Brendan McKay (49) throws a pitch in the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Charlotte Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 12, 2020; Port Charlotte, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Brendan McKay (49) throws a pitch in the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Charlotte Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Oakland A’s have been collecting formerly well regarded prospects in hopes that they can find a way to tap into their potential during the latest rebuilding process. A former two way prospect may be next on their shopping list.

Brendan McKay had once been one of the top prospects in the game. Now, after numerous injury setbacks, he has been released by the Rays ahead of the deadline to finalize the 40 man roster head of the Rule V Draft.

Brendan McKay makes sense for Oakland A’s

McKay has made just 14 appearances on the mound since his major league debut in 2019, with another six in the field. All of those appearances have come during minor league rehab assignments as he attempted to work his way back from injury, only to end up sidelined once again.

He did show his potential during that brief stint in the majors. While his 5.14 ERA and 1.408 WHiP over 49 innings may not stand out, his other numbers showed that he was better than the statistics would indicate. McKay posted a 4.03 FIP while striking out 56 batters and issuing just 16 walks. It is easy to see why the Rays would have had such high hopes for him, especially on the mound.

Any team signing McKay would be doing so with an eye towards 2024. He is already lost for the 2023 campaign, and as he would be eligible for minor league free agency after next season, there was no reason for the Rays to keep him on board under his current deal. A two year minor league contract, in order to have McKay undergo rehab in the same organization, would make perfect sense.

And it makes sense for the A’s as well. 2023 is likely to be another down year where the A’s look to identify potential pieces of their core. McKay may not be able to prove himself next year, but he should be back in 2024. If he can come close to showing the potential he had as a prospect, he would be a bargain.

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The Oakland A’s need to take chances on former top prospects. Signing Brendan McKay to a two year minor league deal would make sense.