The Athletics were a joy to watch last season. Offense was not hard to come by, especially between guys like Nick Kurtz, Brent Rooker, Shea Langeliers, and Tyler Soderstrom.
Where the team did struggle was on the pitching front. Luis Severino struggled mightily during his home starts, and the rest of the rotation failed to be consistent.
So far, they have done nothing regarding pitching. At this point, they are running it back with what they got, and that could come back to haunt them, but there is still time to add impactful players.
MORE: A's linked to top free agent bat while pitching remains a huge need
Three moves the Athletics can make before Spring Training begins
With where we are in the offseason, not many players are left on the open market. Most of those guys are still looking for a new contract for a reason, but that does not mean there isn't elite talent to be signed.
Bleacher Report's Zachary D. Rymer reveals his suggestions for the team moving forward, including adding a starting pitcher, a bullpen piece, and coming to terms on an extension for Nick Kurtz.
"Their pitching truly is a threat to place MLB's worst, so something needs to be done about that. Just saying: going for broke on Framber Valdez or Zac Gallen could be worth it. A Kurtz extension is more of a long shot, but perhaps not too long for the A's. They've done extensions with Brent Rooker, Lawrence Butler, and Tyler Soderstrom, so the reigning AL Rookie of the Year should be next."
Framber Valdez and Zac Gallen would be instant improvements if the front office wanted to empty their pockets.
Outside of that, it would not hurt for the A's to lock up their reigning AL Rookie of the Year before hegets even more expensive. They have already signed Soderstrom to an extension, so this one could seem more like a long shot, but one the front office needs to think seriously about.
More MLB news:
- Twins urged to open up to the idea of trading away one of their stars
- A's linked to top free agent bat while pitching remains a huge need
- Reds could come to terms with the top free agent after missing out on Kyle Schwarber
- Dodgers' Dave Roberts reveals his initial lineup vision for Kyle Tucker
- Cubs' Dansby Swanson expects Alex Bregman to elevate his game