Laureano adds bulk, hopes to add power
MESA, Ariz. — Ramon Laureano already was in great condition last year, but this spring he is even wider through the shoulders and upper body.
The A’s center fielder added 10 pounds of muscle this winter by working out twice a day, swimming three times a week, doing yoga and watching his high-protein, relatively lowcarb diet carefully.
“Everyone has noticed,” manager Bob Melvin said. “He’s really hungry. He wants to make himself a premier player.”
Laureano worked out with a trainer in the Dominican Republic because, he said, “I wanted to be stronger, I wanted more stamina, everything. The more mass, the more power: That’s a science thing. That’s just how it works.”
Laureano is at 205 pounds after eating six meals a day during the winter “and sleeping a lot, too. I feel good.”
He hit five homers in 48 games last year after taking over the job in center late in the season. Keeping that pace and playing on a regular basis could make him a hitter of 20-25 homers. “I’m doing everything I can, but I want to see the results during the season,” he said.
“I’ve played against him since 2016, and each year, he’s getting bigger and bigger,” catcher Beau Taylor said. “He’s a beast.” No discount for Davis: Khris Davis’ asking price for a multiyear deal has not dipped significantly at all, according to sources, even though the A’s designated hitter recently expressed concerns about the current free-agent market.
Davis has led the majors in homers over the past three seasons, banging 42 or more each season, including a bigleague-high 48 last year. He is unlikely to sign for less than three years and $45 million, according to multiple sources, though MLB.com reported that Davis would be willing to play for $10 million per season.
“This guy has a market and that’s not even close,” one source said. “The A’s know that. The union knows it.”
Said another, “Those power numbers — good luck replicating that on the market and doing it for cheaper than $15 million a year.”
Among other considerations, besides Davis’ consistency and his popularity in Oakland’s clubhouse and with the fans, is the fact that the DH spot soon might be universal.
“If the DH winds up in the NL, too, it’s a whole different ballgame for someone like Khris,” a source said.
Davis, 31, is making $16.5 million this year and the A’s are likely to give him a qualifying offer (expected to be at least $18 million) after the season if he is not yet signed to a contract. He repeatedly has said he would like to play for Oakland for as long as possible. Briefly: The candidates to start the A’s Cactus League opener Thursday are Paul Blackburn and Frankie Montas, but rain is in the forecast for Thursday and Friday . ... Matt Chapman has been cleared for full baseball activity.