Will new manager face sell-off?
Five issues facing the Athletics:
Meet the new boss: An offseason of turnover begins at the top for Oakland, where former outfielder Mark Kotsay takes over as manager for Bob Melvin, who departed for the San Diego Padres job. Melvin is the team’s winningest manager since the franchise moved to Oakland in 1968. Kotsay does not have any prior managerial experience, but the Athletics are hoping for a smooth transition after Kotsay spent the last six seasons on Melvin’s coaching staff.
Exodus from the Bay:
Once the lockout is resolved, another of the A’s periodic tear-downs appears imminent. They didn’t make any notable moves before the lockout; outfielders Starling Marte and Mark Canha left in free agency. Many of their other free agents are not expected back. The farm system is barren, and the A’s are looking to shed salary.
Third baseman Matt Chapman and first baseman Matt Olson, both former All-Stars and Gold Glove winners, and starting pitchers Sean Manaea, Frankie Montas and Chris Bassitt are all veterans who can help teams trying to win this year and could be available in trades.
Curtailing the K’s:
Chapman is an enticing target for potential trade suitors, but he would be even more desirable if he could curb his rising strikeout rate, which has jumped to over 32% in each of the last two seasons. While his power numbers remained solid last year (27 home runs and 72 RBI), Chapman’s average plummeted to .210 with a franchiserecord 202 strikeouts.
He’s never been a high-average hitter, but with a little more plate discipline, Chapman could turn in a bounce-back season for the A’s or any team that acquires him.
Filling out the outfield:
Some of Oakland’s biggest lineup questions are in the outfield. Two starters, Marte and Canha, signed with the New York Mets before the lockout. Marte was acquired at last year’s deadline to take over in cen
ter field after Ramon Laureano was suspended for 80 games for a positive PED test. Laureano has 27 games left to serve on his suspension to start 2022 but should slot back into center once eligible.
Stephen Piscotty hasn’t played well while dealing with various injuries the past two seasons and is another candidate to be moved.
Mounting pressure: The organization still has high hopes for A.J. Puk, but the former No. 6 overall draft pick is likely facing a make-or-break season. Injuries and inconsistency have limited his
playing time and role since his debut in 2019, and he no longer has top-of-the-rotation upside. However, the A’s are expecting several departures from the bullpen. If Puk can stay healthy and prove he can be reliable, the 6-foot-7 lefty has an opening to grab a key role in a revamped bullpen.