3 potential targets for Oakland A’s amongst remaining free agents
By David Hill
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.