Oakland Athletics 2018 Season Preview
The next Oakland Athletics rebuild continued last year, even if they refuse to admit that they are in rebuild mode.
Last year, the Oakland Athletics were not expected to do well in the American League West. They had continued along their plan, moving pieces for prospects and looking for bargains. While the Athletics had hoped to contend last year, they struggled to a 75-87 recod, finishing last in the West.
And yet, there were positive signs for the future. Matt Chapman looked like a future Gold Glover at third, finishing second in the league with 10 runs saved in just over half a season. Matt Olson crushed the ball in the final two months of the season, crushing 24 homers in 216 plate appearances. Franklin Barreto is the future in Oakland in the middle of the infield, and is likely to be eased into action after a brief taste of the majors last year.
However, as bright as the Athletics future may be in the lineup, their struggles came down to pitching. Jharel Cotton did not continue to progress as he was expected to last year, and spent some time in the minors. Staff ace Sonny Gray is gone, sent to New York at the deadline. Now, the A’s are counting on Kendall Graveman and Sean Manaea to take that next step forward, becoming the top of the rotation pieces they had hoped for.
However, just because the Oakland Athletics find themselves in a tough division, that does not mean that they are willing to give up. Instead, they very quietly made some solid additions to the roster, showing that while they are building for the future, they are not giving up on the present.
Oakland Athletics additions and subtractions:
Key additions: Stephen Piscotty, Yusmeiro Petit, Emilio Pagan, Ryan Buchter, Brandon Moss
Newcomer to watch: Stephen Piscotty. Last year was a rough year for Piscotty, as the former Cardinals outfielder struggled in virtually every facet of the game after signing a long term extension. Although he was able to get on base, his .235/.342/.367 batting line, with nine homers, was not what the Cardinals had in mind.
When he was traded to the Athletics, it was learned that his mother had been diagnosed with ALS earlier in the year. In that context, it is understandable why Piscotty struggled, as his mind had to be somewhere else. With his family on the west coast, being that far away would be difficult for anyone.
Now that he is closer to home, Piscotty has a chance to become the type of player the Cardinals had hoped for. A solid hitter throughout his minor league career, and a consensus top 100 prospect in both 2014 and 2015, Piscotty could be the next building block in Oakland. With a strong performance this year, he could reestablish himself as a potential star.
Key losses: Ryon Healy, Jesse Hahn
Biggest loss: Ryon Healy. Even though Ryon Healy would have been a man without a position for the Athletics, he still had a part to play in their future.
Pushed out of a starting role by the presences of Matt Olson, Khris Davis, and Matt Chapman, Healy could still have provided a solid utility player. Although both Chapman and Olson showed tremendous potential, they are younger players. It is distinctly possible that they take a step back over the course of the season. Even then, with a player like Healy on the roster, the A’s cuold give each player a game off during the week, and not miss much of a step offensively.
At the end of the day, the Oakland Athletics did not lose much this offseason. However, a depth piece like Healy may prove to be a bigger loss than expected.
What should be expected from the Oakland Athletics in 2018?
Even though the Oakland Athletics are not saying they are rebuilding at this point, the 2018 campaign is all about progress.
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As it stands, that progress may not show in the standings. On paper, the A’s are the weakest team in the AL West, a team with solid young talent, but not enough pitching to contend. But, of course, we all know how well those predictions work before the games are actually played.
Yet, a lot would need to break the A’s way for them to contend in 2018. Jharel Cotton, Kendall Graveman, and Sean Manaea would all need to take that next step forward. Someone from the hodgepodge of pitchers at the back of the rotation would need to step forward. Or, A.J. Puk would have to step in as an immediate ace and dominate.
The A’s may well take those steps forward they need to contend in the future. Puk could well reach the majors this season, giving the fans a look at what could be their next ace. The young arms in the minors will get a bit closer, giving hope that Oakland can have their next Big Three in the rotation. 2018 is about progress, and getting closer to contending, instead of making a run at the postseason.
The Oakland Athletics have a lot of talent on the horizon, and quite the bright future. It just is not here yet. Prediction: Fifth place in AL West.