3 moves for the Oakland A’s to make this offseason
It’s already been an interesting offseason for the Oakland A’s. The franchise saw long-time manager Bob Melvin move south in California to take the reins of the San Diego Padres. It was the start of a whirlwind few weeks for the A’s, including trade rumors swirling about long-time players and faces of the franchise.
So what comes next for the Oakland A’s? Let’s take a look at some moves that could make an impact and build for the future.
3 moves the Oakland A’s should make this offseason
First, the A’s need to find the right manager to replace Melvin. If the franchise is to move forward and compete again for the American League West title, it needs someone to navigate what could be an interesting season ahead should all of the rumored trades go through.
Oakland general manager David Forst has mentioned that the A’s will be looking at in-house options to replace Melvin, including third-base coach Mark Kotsay and bench coach Ryan Christenson. Keeping part of the culture that has helped Oakland reach the postseason in three of the past four seasons would, on the surface, seem to be important.
However, the next manager needs to be able to not only reshape the franchise, but also help the A’s go deep into the postseason once again. Since the 2012 American League Division Series, Oakland has lost six of its last seven postseason series and hasn’t advanced past the ALDS. Oakland’s last American League Championship Series appearance was 2006 and the team’s last World Series showing came in 1990.
That may not change in 2022, but Oakland needs to lay the groundwork for a new direction with new leadership (and the right leadership) in the dugout.
The Oakland A’s need to make the right trades in order to rebuild their farm system
Oakland heads into the offseason with a farm system that ranks 28th in Major League Baseball. Only the Houston Astros and Chicago White Sox rank lower, but both teams also have fewer questions about their current states, so that balances out whatever concern there might be about the future on the farm.
The A’s, however, have the chance to rebuild their farm system through trades this offseason. They have already let other teams know that they are open for business and ready to make some deals.
GM David Forst of the cash-strapped A’s said they are willing to listen on everyone. “This is the cycle for the A’s. We have to listen and be open to whatever comes out of this. This is our lot in Oakland until it’s not.”
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) November 10, 2021
So if the A’s are open for business and looking to move players such as starting pitchers Chris Bassitt, Sean Manaea, and Frankie Montas, as well as first baseman Matt Olson and even third baseman Matt Chapman, the franchise has to make trades that will rebuild the farm system and set the A’s up for success in the future.
If the A’s do indeed have a fire sale this offseason, it’s critical that the team makes the right trades and find the right prospects who can help rebuild the face of the franchise in the next three to five seasons.
The Oakland A’s should not trade pitcher Chris Bassitt this offseason
While Oakland may have the “for sale” sign out when it comes to many of their star players, one player who would be smart for the A’s to keep in house would be starting pitcher Chris Bassitt.
The case for keeping Bassitt is complicated for sure. After all, the 32-year-old right-hander is arbitration-eligible in 2022 and coming off a season where he made 27 starts and posted an ERA+ of 130 and WHIP of 1.055. Those numbers would look good for any team.
However, Bassitt is needed by the A’s not only for his ability on the mound but also what he means to the franchise off the field as well. That was never more illustrated than when a line drive hit him in the head on August 17. It was a scary moment and caused substantial damage to Bassitt’s face, including a cheek fracture which required surgery.
But there was never a doubt in Bassitt’s mind that he would return to the mound before the season did (and he did on September 23). Why? Read his words below.
Why did I come back? What’s the point? I’ll tell you why… We are the green and gold. Bob Melvin is our manager. Don’t make excuses and get your ass to work. If you won’t do it then we will find someone who will. This org turns you into a better person and im grateful. pic.twitter.com/QFaCZmi5Uf
— Chris Bassitt (@C_Bass419) September 23, 2021
Those words show what the organization means to Bassitt. Yes, Melvin has moved on, but it’s clear that the A’s are special to Bassitt, and the feeling is mutual.
To move someone like this in a time when the franchise is undergoing a facelift would be a bad move. Let Bassitt explain the culture to the next generation of players. Let him serve as a model for hard work and overcoming obstacles. Let him be the face of a franchise that could well need one moving forward.
Next. Rating the performances of the AL West GMs in 2021. dark
There are plenty of trades the A’s could make this offseason. Swapping Bassitt should not be one of them.