The Oakland Athletics are exploring various strategies to enhance their pitching staff, focusing on both trades and free agency.
Seeking Creative Solutions for Pitching Staff
With limited resources, the Athletics may need to employ innovative approaches to attract free agents to Sacramento. Trading for pitchers might be the most viable option, avoiding the need to convince players to join the club. However, the current market prices for pitchers could pose challenges for the A’s.
Recent Addition: Mark Leiter Jr.
- Mark Leiter Jr. recently signed with the A’s.
- He fits the profile of a “diamond in the rough” player.
- Leiter’s underlying metrics show promise, particularly his effective splitter.
The A’s are likely to target pitchers similar to Leiter if they are unwilling to spend on well-known options.
Could Brad Keller Benefit the Oakland A’s?
Brad Keller, a standout pitcher for the Chicago Cubs, could be an excellent fit for the Athletics. He excelled as a high-leverage relief pitcher during his time with the Cubs.
Keller’s Impressive Metrics
- Posted a 2.07 ERA in 69.2 innings last season.
- Achieved 75 strikeouts.
- Ranked in the 95th percentile for ground ball rate at 56.6%.
- In the 99th percentile for hard-hit percentage at 30.6%.
- Supported by an 86th percentile barrel percentage of 5.8%.
These metrics make Keller an attractive option for the Athletics, considering their hitter-friendly home park.
Market Insights and Future Predictions
The Detroit Tigers have shown interest in Keller as a potential starting pitcher. Predictions suggest he could secure a three-year, $36 million contract, making him a highly compensated reliever but potentially undervalued as a starter.
If Keller is successful in returning to a starting role, it would add significant flexibility to the A’s rotation, which already includes Luis Severino, Jeffrey Springs, Jacob Lopez, and Luis Morales. Meanwhile, young talents like Jack Perkins, J.T. Ginn, and Gunnar Hoglund are also vying for a spot in the rotation.
Maintaining Flexibility in the Pitching Rotation
Signing Keller would provide the Athletics with an adaptable option. Should he not fare well as a starter, he could seamlessly transition back to a high-leverage bullpen role, where he previously thrived. This versatility could prove beneficial as the A’s navigate their pitching strategy moving forward.
