The Athletics surprsied everyone last winter when they agreed to a three-year $67 million contract with right-hander Luis Severino. This offseason, they made another big move for a Mets player, acquiring Jeff McNeil from the New York Mets in exchange for pitching prospect Yordan Rodriguez.
They also received $7.75 million from the Mets, bringing the cost of McNeil's salary down to $10 million. That said, the addition of McNeil gives them an impressive infield group of McNeil, Jacob Wilson and Nick Kurtz. Both Wilson and Kurtz finished top two in Rookie of the Year voting last season, with Kurtz taking home the award.
With that in mind, there now is a hole at third base. When addressing the hot corner, general manager David Forst said that the Athletics will look to internal options to fill the position. This likely means that the A's wont pursue veterans like Ramon Urias, Yoan Moncada, Willi Castro or Miguel Andujar.
Some internal candidates within the organization include: Brett Harris and Darell Hernaiz. Zack Gelof played third base in college, but has only appeared at second base throughout his three-year career in the major leagues.
Instead, Forst believes that the biggest area of need is in the starting rotation. Although Luis Morales and Jacob Lopez looked promising in limited appearances last season, the A's could use another arm or two to supplement Severino.
Last season, the Athletics finished 25th in strikeout percentage and 27th amongst all teams in ERA.
However, it remains to be seen if the Athletics will look to sign another starter or acquire an arm via trade.
More MLB news:
- Ha-Seong Kim returns to the Braves on a one-year contract
- San Francisco has 'checked in on' Cody Bellinger amid free agency
- Baltimore Orioles eye Marlins' Edward Cabrera in a trade to shore up their rotation
- Tigers re-sign Kyle Finnegan to a two-year $19 million contract
- Seattle rumored to trade for Cardinals left-hander
- Detroit once again showing strong interest in free agent Alex Bregman