The Athletics are not going to be viewed as the top contender coming out of the AL West, but with their stellar young lineup, it's not so far-fetched that they could contend soon.
While the A's might not be the biggest spenders this offseason, they've extended Tyler Soderstrom to a long-term deal and could look to do the same with Nick Kurtz and Jacob Wilson. But when it comes to outside additions, the market isn't as robust.
After trading for Jeff McNeil, the Athletics' next offseason move could be with the pitching staff. According to Jesse Rogers of ESPN, the A's are one of many teams expected to need another starting pitcher and could get involved in the market this winter.
Athletics linked to top free agent starters
"The Mets, Cubs, A's, Braves, and perhaps the Yankees and Angels are viewed among teams that could use another starter." Rogers writes.
There were a few names that Rogers mentioned as coming up in recent talks. Zac Gallen, Zack Littell, and Lucas Giolito have been popping up in talks more and more lately, per Rogers' report.
Along with Framber Valdez and Ranger Suarez, the free agent starting pitching market is finally beginning to ramp up.
While the Athletics aren't likely to be involved in the market for Valdez or Suarez, the two best starters left on the market, they could easily take a chance on one of the other starters left in free agency.
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Littell, Giolito, and Gallen are the next best options, but even someone like Walker Buehler could be a quality addition for the A's.
Rogers isn't directly revealing that any of these teams are going to sign a free agent starter, but this report does link the Athletics as one team that could be involved in the market this offseason, thanks to their need.
While this isn't the most groundbreaking report, this is a sign that the A's cannot be written off as a contender for a free agent starter this winter.
It hasn't been an exceptionally busy offseason for the A's, but their interest in a starting pitcher is real enough for them to be mentioned among the teams in need of rotation help this winter.
More Athletics News:
- What did the Athletics give up for Jeff McNeil? A's send 17-year-old to Mets
- Why Tyler Soderstrom signed team-friendly $86 million deal with Athletics
- Athletics in contract talks with key architect of impressive young lineup
- Athletics are not done signing young players after Tyler Soderstrom's $86 million contract