3 Athletics starting pitchers who will begin the 2024 season in Triple-A and 2 who won't

This one is cheating a bit, as Luis Medina is technically out of options, meaning the A's will have to either have him on the opening day roster, or DFA him. Based on talent, it seems unlikely that GM David Forst will opt for the latter. Therefore, we should expect to see Medina on the opening day roster.

As seen in the video above, Medina has a lightning fastball that he can ramp up to 100 mph. The pitch has good life and he can definitely get whiffs with the pitch. Outside of that however, Medina has struggled to throw strikes.

Despite running above average strikeout rates throughout the minors, Medina has posted double-digit walk rates at every stop along the way. In his 109.2 innings in Oakland last year, he walked 11.5% of batters, which is unsustainable for a starter.

His lack of control led to a 5.42 ERA with the A's in 2023, albeit with a more encouraging 4.76 FIP. As mentioned, he's going to be in Oakland to start the year, barring injury. It's possible that the A's move him to a bullpen role to try to get the most out of him. He did make six relief appearances in 2023, though he would be much more valuable as a starter if he can get things a little more dialed in.

Ultimately, Medina probably ends up in the opening day rotation. He's too talented for the A's to walk away from him and based on his performance last year is likely one of the guys most deserving of a spot. Medina could be a monster if everything goes right, so here's hoping 2024 is his year.