Offseason checklist: A's needs and moves

This past season, the A’s captured their first American League West title since 2013, but another year went by with them failing to advance deeper into the postseason than the Astros, who beat them in the AL Division Series. To resolve the issues that exist with getting past its division rivals to make a deeper playoff run, Oakland must first navigate through what could be a difficult offseason with 10 key players hitting free agency.

“We’re not unaware of some of the challenges that we have as it relates to the roster,” A’s executive vice president of baseball operations Billy Beane said. “It’s something that we’ve had to deal with in the past, and I think we’ve always reacted well to it. We’ve always been somewhat creative and found a way to address some of these things.

“These free agents are really good players. Certainly, our shortstop [Marcus Semien] comes to mind, and [Liam] Hendriks is one of the best closers in the game. It is going to be tough, but we’ll figure something out.”

What are the A’s biggest needs entering 2021, and what moves have they made to address them? MLB.com is keeping track here. As the offseason continues, be sure to check back for updates.

BIGGEST NEEDS

Bullpen
The A’s will have to find a new closer, with Hendriks agreeing to a deal with the White Sox after establishing himself as one of the top closers in baseball over the past two years. In-house options for the ninth-inning role include Lou Trivino, Jake Diekman and Jordan Weems.

But Oakland will need to replace more than just its closer, as high-leverage right-hander Joakim Soria signed with the D-backs. Right-hander Yusmeiro Petit and left-hander T.J. McFarland also remain without a contract as free agents.

MOVES MADE

Feb. 6: A's trade for Elvis Andrus
The A's found a replacement for Semien after swinging a rare intradivision five-player deal with the Rangers to acquire Andrus -- which included Khris Davis going to Texas. The two-time All-Star was hampered by a back issue that limited him to 29 games and a .194 batting average last season, but Andrus said he is fully healthy now and will look to get back closer to his 2019 production, when he hit .275 with 12 home runs and 72 RBIs while also stealing 31 bases.

Jan. 14: A's acquire Turley in deal with Bucs
The A’s acquired left-hander Nik Turley from the Pirates in exchange for cash considerations. Turley, 31, appeared in 25 games out of the Pirates’ bullpen last year, finishing with a 4.98 ERA and a 20/11 strikeout-to-walk ratio across 21 2/3 innings.

Dec. 10: A's select Tom, Jimenez in Rule 5 Draft
The A's selected outfielder Ka'ai Tom and right-hander Dany Jimenez in the Rule 5 Draft, bringing their 40-man roster total to 37 players. Tom, 26, split time between Cleveland's Double-A and Triple-A affiliates in 2019 and slashed .290/.380/.532 with 23 home runs and 86 RBIs over 132 games. His left-handed bat makes him a strong candidate to replace Robbie Grossman, who is a free agent. Jimenez is a 26-year-old right-hander who made two appearances with the Giants in the Major Leagues last season. He posted a 2.59 ERA with 93 strikeouts over 59 innings between Class A Advanced and Double-A in Toronto's system in '19 and will enter Spring Training competing for a spot in the A's bullpen.

Dec. 1: A's avoid arbitration with Pinder, Smith
The A's agreed to terms with utility man Chad Pinder and right-handed reliever Burch Smith to trim down their list of arbitration-eligible players to eight. MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand reported that Pinder’s contract is worth $2.275 million and Smith signed for $705,000.

Nov. 20: A's add three prospects to 40-man roster
With roster spots aplenty due to the many free agents from last season's club, the A's added outfielder Greg Deichmann and right-handers Miguel Romero and Wandisson Charles to their 40-man roster, bringing the total to 35 players. The additions provide protection for all three players from the Rule 5 Draft, which will take place on Dec. 10.

Deichmann, Oakland's No. 14 prospect per MLB Pipeline, possesses some of the best raw power in the organization and projects to man one of the corner outfield spots in the Majors. Romero (No. 26) recently added a changeup to his power fastball and slider already in his arsenal and could find a spot in the A's bullpen as early as next season. Though Charles sits outside of the A's Top 30 prospects, he is considered to have the best fastball in the organization and could get himself on the radar of the big league club if he continues to progress in the Minor Leagues.

Nov. 5: A’s get Perez in Mateo deal
The A’s announced 19-year-old outfielder Junior Perez as the player to be named later from the Padres in the June 30 deal that sent infielder Jorge Mateo to San Diego. Perez, who was signed by San Diego out of the Dominican Republic in 2017 for $300,000 and ranked as the club’s No. 16 prospect per MLB Pipeline, will add to the quality outfield depth that already exists within Oakland’s farm system.