3 potential targets for Oakland A's amongst remaining free agents

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In one of the biggest surprises of the offseason, the Oakland A’s have actually spent money on their roster.

While no one is going to suddenly confuse A’s owner John Fisher for Steve Cohen, or John Sherman for that matter, actual major league talent has been brought in. Jace Peterson, Aledmys Diaz, Drew Rucinski, and Trevor May are all a higher caliber of free agent than anyone expected that the A’s would sign. None of these moves are bringing a playoff berth to Oakland in 2023, but they are far more than anyone could have expected.

Three potential targets for Oakland A’s remaining in free agency

It is possible that the A’s are not done. There are still holes on the roster, something that is to be expected considering that the A’s had gotten rid of most of their talent in the previous year. But this newfound willingness to spend, even if it is a modest amount, could mean that more players come on board.

The Oakland A’s may not be done adding to their roster. Let’s take a look at three options still in free agency they could bring on board.

Chad Pinder

Chad Pinder wanted to stay with the Oakland A’s. The A’s wanted Pinder to return to the organization. However, the expectation was that he would receive a better contract than the A’s could offer.

Although the calendar has flipped to 2023, Pinder is still on the market. All has been quiet in the rumor mill regarding Pinder as well as there have not been any teams officially connected to him. He would fit on several organizations, but to this point, there has been absolutely nothing.

It may not be that much of a surprise that his market is so quiet. Pinder struggled to an uncharacteristically subpar .235/.263/.385 batting line, hitting 12 homers and 18 doubles in his 379 plate appearances. He posted a career worst 3.7% walks rate with a 31.1% strikeout rate, numbers that kept him from his typically solid production.

But Pinder still holds value. He is capable of playing at either left or right field, second, third, and short. He is a leader in the locker room as well, something that is even more important for a rebuilding team such as the A’s. Considering the questions that are still on the roster, that versatility could be even more of an asset as well.

The Oakland A’s did not expect to bring Chad Pinder back for 2023. Considering how quiet his market has been, they may have a chance.

Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Aroldis Chapman

The closer spot is one of the biggest questions for the Oakland A’s as spring training approaches.

In theory, Dany Jimenez could take over once again after leading the A’s with 11 saves. He had pitched well prior to his injury woes and would be acost effective option for the ninth inning. At the same time, the A’s did not hand Trevor May $7 million not to give him a look in that role. May does not have much experience closing out games, but he could earn more than the rest of the A’s bullpen combined.

It would make sense for the A’s to look at a possible option for the ninth inning, especially if there was a possible bargain in free agency. One such option would be Aroldis Chapman, the one proven closer who is still sitting in free agency.

Chapman did not have a great season in 2022. Between injury woes and his essentially quitting on the Yankees, he posted a 4.46 ERA and a 1.431 WHiP in his 36.1 innings, striking out 43 batters with 28 walks. And yet, he still has that Proven Closer label, something that still has value these days. If the A’s can get Chapman back to form, he could be a valuable option, both for the A’s bullpen and at the trade deadline.

No one would have imagined that the Oakland A’s would be able to sign Aroldis Chapman at the start of free agency. As he remains on the market and the A’s have been spending, it is a possibility.

Mandatory Credit: Peter Aiken-USA TODAY Sports /

Danny Duffy

Danny Duffy made sense as a buy low option even before the Oakland A’s even before their spending spree this offseason.

As it currently stands, Paul Blackburn, Cole Irvin, and Drew Rucinski appear to be set in the rotation. The A’s have said that Kyle Muller is going to get his chances. Ken Waldichuk would seemingly have the opportunity to make the rotation as well. Then there is A.J. Puk, who the A’s plan on stretching out as a starter once again.

While there are plenty of options, none of them are exactly proven. It would behoove the A’s to bring in more depth pieces, especially if they have had success at the major league level previously. Duffy would be such a piece.

There are risks associated with bringing him on board. Duffy has not pitched since July 16, 2021 due to arm injuries, even being acquired by the Dodgers at the trade deadline that year, and re-signed in 2022, in the hope that he would fortify the pitching staff. If he is healthy, he could be a solid depth option for the cost of a minor league deal. However, that is a big if.

The Oakland A’s need to find more depth for their rotation. Danny Duffy would be a perfect low cost lottery ticket.

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3 potential targets for Oakland A’s amongst remaining free agents

Three potential targets for Oakland A’s remaining in free agency

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