Call to the pen
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Oakland A’s focused on keeping Marcus Semien this offseason

By James Kelly

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 05: Marcus Semien #10 of the Oakland Athletics reacts after being hit by a pitch from Luke Bard of the Los Angeles Angels in the bottom of the first inning at Ring Central Coliseum on September 05, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 05: Marcus Semien #10 of the Oakland Athletics reacts after being hit by a pitch from Luke Bard of the Los Angeles Angels in the bottom of the first inning at Ring Central Coliseum on September 05, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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The Oakland A’s are getting started on their offseason plans early, making it clear that they’d like to keep shortstop Marcus Semien around.

The Oakland A’s, coming off a division title and disappointing postseason, are already getting their offseason plans in order. Number one on the to-do list, re-sign shortstop Marcus Semien.

And what an absolute no brainer it is. Semien has been with the organization for six seasons and has played an important role offensively.

In 2019, Semien even found himself squarely in the AL MVP conversation. He established himself as one of the best shortstops in the league and was heading towards a nice payday on the free agent market.

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However, the shortened 2020 season was a disaster for Semien. He slashed only .223/.305/.374. The .679 OPS he posted was the worst in a single season since 2014. And due to the Covid-19 shutdown and following precautions, free agents may not see the contract values they could typically expect. Additionally, the Cleveland Indians have made it very clear that Francisco Lindor is likely to be traded before the next trade deadline.

So what does that mean?

It means that Semien will not get his true worth on the open market. He’s not the best available shortstop, he’s coming off a rough season, and teams may not be willing to break open the piggy bank.

It also means a team like the A’s, who typically guffaw at spending money in free agency, may be able to get a deal on the shortstop. They’ll be able to take advantage of the insane circumstances of the offseason to keep Semien with the organization.

So the A’s may be able to underspend on a player with MVP potential. It makes perfect sense for them from a financial standpoint and it certainly can’t hurt to bring back an important part of a division winning team.

Next. A's Mount Rushmore. dark

Might as well pencil Semien into the Oakland A’s 2021 Opening Day roster now.

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