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Oakland A’s add needed bullpen piece in Trevor May

By David Hill

Sep 24, 2022; Oakland, California, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Trevor May (65) throws a pitch against the Oakland Athletics during the eighth inning at RingCentral Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Robert Edwards-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2022; Oakland, California, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Trevor May (65) throws a pitch against the Oakland Athletics during the eighth inning at RingCentral Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Robert Edwards-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Oakland A’s bullpen was a surprising strength last season. It is now even better.

Trevor May announced that he has signed with the A’s for the 2023 campaign. According to Jeff Passan, May will receive $7 million for the season, gets a $1 million signing bonus, and can earn another $500,000 in incentives.

Oakland A’s add another bullpen piece in Trevor May

That contract would appear to be a dramatic overpay based on May’s performance last season. He posted a 5.04 ERA and a 1.440 WHiP in his 25 innings. Although he struck out 30 batters with just nine walks, opponents posted a .756 OPS against him in 111 plate appearances, the second worst mark of his time in the majors.

But there may be a reason why that was the case. May had battled triceps issues at the beginning of the season. When they continued after missing a few days, it was discovered that he had a stress reaction in his humerus. May then battled Covid over the final few weeks of the season, missing just under two weeks due to his illness.

He looked like a completely different pitcher when he returned from his arm issues. May posted a 3.24 ERA and a 1.200 WHiP in his 16.2 innings from August 3 through the end of the season, striking out 25 batters with six walks. He was once again the stellar setup man that the Mets had hoped for.

That is the pitcher the A’s are hoping that they signed. He is the highest priced player in Oakland right now, even on what is essentially a one year, make good contract. Should he return to form, and be a solid piece in the bullpen once again, the A’s could not only have another piece to help them improve in 2023, but a coveted trade chip at the deadline.

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The Oakland A’s are continuing to be surprisingly active in free agency. This time, they have signed Trevor May to help bolster their bullpen.