The Athletics could make some serious noise in the American League West this upcoming season. Their offense is formidable, but the pitching staff could use upgrades.
Before their move to Las Vegas, the A's will prefer signing veterans to short-term deals, as general manager David Forst said at Tyler Soderstrom's press conference announcing his new extension with the club.
Forst and the front office should have plenty of suitors, but pitchers like Framber Valdez and Ranger Suarez are unrealistic. One name they could consider: Chris Bassitt, who spent six seasons with the A's from 2016-21.
Bassitt could bring 'veteran experience' to the A's
Bassitt, who turns 37 next month, had a solid season with the Toronto Blue Jays this past year. The one-time All-Star posted a 108 ERA+ and held opponents to a 36.6 hard hit percentage. Bassitt made 30 starts or more in the last four years - one with the New York Mets and three with the Blue Jays.
"A league average ERA for a starter last year was 4.21, so he was a bit better than league average, but his real value is in those innings," Jason Burke of Sports Illustrated wrote last week.
"A's fans can certainly remember that he may not have his best stuff every outing, but he's going to scratch and claw his way through as many innings as he can each time he takes the ball. That comes in handy over the course of a full season, and helps save the bullpen."
Given his age, Bassitt could be a suitable fit with the Athletics. In all likelihood, he will not sign a contract longer than one or two years, and still projects to be a serviceable arm.
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