Oakland Athletics
2022 file: 60-102, fifth in American League West
Offseason headlines: With their lease on the 57-year-old Coliseum expiring after the 2024 season, talks in regards to the franchise’s potential relocation to Las Vegas heated up once more this offseason. The group continues to discover placing a brand new stadium in Oakland, however one other 102-loss marketing campaign like 2022 (its worst since going 54-108 in 1979) will not precisely construct pleasure within the Bay Area. In free company, the A’s signed infielder/outfielders Aledmys Diaz and Jace Peterson to two-year offers. Oakland additionally signed 28-year-old Japanese RHP Shintaro Fujinami in January and he’ll begin the season within the rotation. Other newcomers embody veteran reliever Trevor May, LHP Kyle Muller, 1B/DH Jesus Aguilar and outfielders Esteury Ruiz and JJ Bleday.
Spring storylines: Cactus League highlights included a heated battle on the sizzling nook between newcomer Peterson and pure shortstop Kevin Smith, and RHP Adam Oller exhibiting much-improved command and making a shocking push for a rotation spot. “This is probably the best Adam has thrown the ball,” supervisor Mark Kotsay stated in late February. On the damage entrance, 2022 All-Star and potential Opening Day starter RHP Paul Blackburn (finger) and backup C Manny Pina (left wrist irritation) will start the season on the shelf. 1B/OF Seth Brown was restricted this spring with shoulder soreness.
Young weapons: Oakland’s high three prospects are all anticipated to contribute in 2023. 1B/C Tyler Soderstrom had 29 homers and 105 RBIs throughout three ranges final season, ending the yr at Triple-A Las Vegas. LHP Ken Waldichuk is a rotation candidate after fanning 33 batters in 34 2/3 innings with the A’s final season. 2B/3B Zack Gelof, a 2021 second-rounder, will doubtless start in Vegas the place he homered 5 occasions in 9 video games in 2022.
Fall feeling: Only probably the most diehard followers are hopeful that final season’s end within the AL cellar was only a fluke. Sure, Oakland made six playoff appearances within the earlier 10 campaigns, however buying and selling arguably your finest participant in C Sean Murphy (to the Braves in December) handcuffs Kotsay and can doubtless see him listed as a favourite on many “first manager to be fired” betting predictions.
Odds, even: Another season with triple-digit losses is within the forecast for talent-strapped Oakland, which faces a few of the longest division-title odds in MLB at 20000 (PointsBet) and 25000 (DraftKings, FanDuel).
–Field Level Media