Call to the pen
Fansided

3 moves for the Oakland A’s to make this offseason

By Kevin Henry

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - SEPTEMBER 28: Chris Bassitt #40 of the Oakland Athletics throws a pitch during the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on September 28, 2021 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - SEPTEMBER 28: Chris Bassitt #40 of the Oakland Athletics throws a pitch during the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on September 28, 2021 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 3
Next
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 23: Chris Bassitt #40 pitches against the Seattle Mariners in the first inning at RingCentral Coliseum on September 23, 2021 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 23: Chris Bassitt #40 pitches against the Seattle Mariners in the first inning at RingCentral Coliseum on September 23, 2021 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

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.

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.

Home/Oakland Athletics