A's swing multiplayer deal with Rays for lefty Springs
This browser does not support the video element.
The Athletics acquired left-handed starter Jeffrey Springs from the Rays, the teams announced on Saturday. The A’s also received fellow lefty Jacob Lopez.
In return, the Rays received right-handed pitcher Joe Boyle, two prospects -- right-handed pitcher Jacob Watters and outfielder Will Simpson -- as well as a Compensation Round A Draft pick.
Springs, who is under club control for three more seasons, had an injury-shortened 2024 as he was recovering from Tommy John surgery and didn’t make his season debut until July 30. He ultimately pitched to a 3.27 ERA with 37 strikeouts over 33 innings before missing the final few weeks of the season with left elbow fatigue.
Springs, 32, had a solid 2022 season with Tampa Bay, highlighted by a 2.46 ERA over 135 1/3 innings. He looked to be on his way to even greater heights in ‘23 as he allowed one earned run and struck out 24 batters over 16 innings. However, his season was over before the end of April as he underwent UCL reconstruction in his left elbow.
Lopez, 26, appeared in eight games for the Rays the past two seasons, compiling a 4.76 ERA in 22 2/3 innings. He has a career 2.99 ERA in five Minor League seasons.
Boyle, 25, has pitched in two big league seasons so far, compiling a 5.23 ERA over 16 games (13 starts) for the A’s. He is a fireballer, with a fastball that averages 97.7 mph to go along with a hard slider, but Boyle has had a very hard time commanding his stuff, as evidenced by his 17.7% walk rate this past season.
Simpson, 23, is the A’s No. 28 prospect. He hit 18 home runs and recorded an .860 OPS between High-A Lansing and Double-A Midland. The 23-year-old Watters has registered a 5.86 ERA with 153 K’s and 98 walks over 152 innings in the Minors.
This trade would represent the second significant addition the A’s have made to their starting rotation this offseason. Earlier this month, they signed right-hander Luis Severino to a 2-year deal with a player option for 2027. The deal, which could total $67 million and includes a $10 million signing bonus, is the largest guaranteed contract handed out by the A’s in franchise history.