BURNING QUESTIONS
Who will play second base?
After cutting bait and trading Jurickson Profar following one season, Oakland’s biggest void in the field is at second. They didn’t add anyone in free agency, but the A’s have several options within the organization.
Franklin Barreto, 23, and Jorge Mateo, 24, figure to be two of the top candidates for the job, especially given both are out of minor league options and should get long looks this spring. Sheldon Neuse, 25, could also compete for the starting spot. None of them has torn up the majors, but all are young enough to continue improving.
Tony Kemp, 28, was acquired from the Chicago Cubs in January and could also be in the running.
Are top pitching prospects ready for prime time?
Left-handers Jesus Luzardo, 22, and A.J. Puk, 24, will get every chance to earn spots in the rotation this spring. However, both are coming off injury-shortened seasons, which could mean innings limits in 2020. Spring training will go a long way to determining how much of a workload they can handle.
Luzardo has struck out nearly 11 hitters per nine innings in the minors, while Puk has struck out nearly 13. Expectations are high for the pair, especially Luzardo. The top prospect in the organization, Luzardo finally made his major league debut in September. He pitched well in six relief appearances, then tossed three scoreless innings in Oakland’s wild-card loss. He has flashed the type of arsenal that could make him an AL Rookie of the Year candidate.