Call to the pen
Fansided

Oakland Athletics: Three options at closer

By Adam Taylor McKillop

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 07: Liam Hendriks #16 of the Oakland Athletics reacts to striking out Josh Reddick #22 of the Houston Astros to end the eighth inning in Game Three of the American League Division Series at Dodger Stadium on October 07, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 07: Liam Hendriks #16 of the Oakland Athletics reacts to striking out Josh Reddick #22 of the Houston Astros to end the eighth inning in Game Three of the American League Division Series at Dodger Stadium on October 07, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images)
(Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images) /

It’s unlikely the Oakland Athletics re-sign Liam Hendriks after a monster season ahead of free agency, so what’s next at closer?

While this is not official news, it’s highly unlikely the Oakland Athletics are able to retain Liam Hendriks next season. This leaves the A’s with big question marks for the 9th inning next season. How will the front office, always looking to find cheap diamonds in the rough, address the issue of closer next year?

Hendriks is the latest example of Oakland’s front office and staff living by this mantra. In November of 2015, the Athletics acquired him from the Toronto Blue Jays for Jesse Chavez. And after three seasons of pitching to around a 4.00 ERA, Hendriks blossomed into one of the best relievers and closers in baseball.

The 31-year-old walked away with the American League Reliever of the Year honors this season after an impeccable 1.78 ERA campaign. His 2019 was All-Star Game worthy, pitching to a 1.80 ERA while recording 25 saves and 124 strikeouts in 85.0 innings pitched.

Unfortunately, the Oakland Athletics’ budget doesn’t usually allow the franchise to sign big-name free agents. So, we shouldn’t expect to see Hendriks donning green and yellow next season.

With that being said, check out three potential options to take over the closer role in Oakland next season. Will the franchise elevate one of its remaining relievers under contract, or find another diamond in the rough on the free-agent market?

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