Athletics should prioritize a reunion with this starting pitcher

Jared Bloom

Athletics should prioritize a reunion with this starting pitcher  image

After a few seasons of miserable baseball, Athletics fans finally had something to cheer about last season. The foundation is starting to be laid out, and young players stepped up in a big way this past season. 

Jacob Wilson, Shea Langeliers, and Nick Kurtz all played well-above their expectations in 2025. Add Brent Rooker, who had another great season at the plate on top of that, and there was no shortage of power. 

And after the season the club just had, they have been more active than they have been recently during the offseason. However, they still have a few holes they need to fill before the new season kicks off. 

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Athletics should prioritize a reunion with this starting pitcher 

One area the Athletics could improve is their starting rotation. It is led by Luis Severino, but they could use another frontline starter to pair with him. 

At this point in the offseason, there are not many options left. However, there are a few good ones still left that could help the A's compete in 2026. 

Bleacher Report's Kerry Miller believes the team should zero in on Chris Bassitt, who played for the A's from 2015-2016 and again in 2018-2021.

"The A's were one of four teams to allow at least 5.0 runs per game in 2025, and it wasn't all Sutter Health Park's fault. They simply don't have a postseason-caliber pitching staff, and they've done nothing thus far to fix that. There are several reasonably priced options still out there, though, including old friend RHP Chris Bassitt, who was a Cy Young candidate for the A's in 2020 and 2021."

Bassitt is familiar with the organization and is coming off a great season with the Toronto Blue Jays. He could be a great addition for the A's, but they'd better act fast if they want to get a deal done.

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