The A’s fell short of lofty expectations in 2021, unable to defend their American League West title and missing the postseason for the first time since '17. The areas of needed improvement are clear, though a tough challenge exists in trying to maintain a playoff-caliber roster with so many key players going through free agency or arbitration.

• Breaking down the A's potential '22 roster

Here’s a look at some frequently asked questions and answers as the A’s head into the offseason:

Which A's are free agents?
There are 13 players from the 40-man roster: Mark Canha, Andrew Chafin, Jake Diekman, Mike Fiers, Yan Gomes, Josh Harrison, Jed Lowrie, Starling Marte, Mitch Moreland, Yusmeiro Petit, Trevor Rosenthal, Sergio Romo and Khris Davis.

Are any of them likely to receive qualifying offers, and what is the deadline for that?
Of the group of impending free agents, Canha would appear to be the most likely to receive a qualifying offer (which is valued at $18.4 million for 2022), though that decision could be complicated by the high number of key A’s going through arbitration. Last year, only six players across MLB received qualifying offers. Many players who were considered top-tier free agents, including then-A's Marcus Semien and Liam Hendriks, did not receive an offer.

A qualifying offer to any of their impending free agents would ensure that the A’s receive a Draft pick as compensation if that player were to sign with another club. The deadline for clubs to tender a qualifying offer is the fifth day after the final game of the World Series. Players have until Nov. 10 to accept or reject that offer.

Which players have contract options?
Diekman has a $4 million club option for 2022. The A’s can also choose to buy out his contract for $750,000. Chafin has a $5.25 million mutual option for ‘22 or can be bought out for $500,000. Teams have until the fifth day after the end of the World Series to decide on '22 contract options.

Who is a non-tender candidate? When is that deadline?
The crop of players eligible for arbitration this offseason includes Sean Manaea, Chris Bassitt, Chad Pinder, Frankie Montas, Lou Trivino, Adam Kolarek, Sean Murphy, Tony Kemp, Ramón Laureano, Matt Chapman and Matt Olson.

Considering that Kolarek was sent to the Minors after a rough start to the season and was never recalled again, he could be seen as a non-tender option. The deadline to tender players a contract for next season is Dec. 1.

Who needs to be added to the A's 40-man roster to avoid the Rule 5 Draft, and do they have a roster crunch?
Nick Allen (Oakland's No. 3 prospect), Jordan Diaz (No. 11) and Austin Beck (No. 28) are players ranked among the A’s Top 30 prospects who must be added to the 40-man roster to avoid being exposed to other clubs in the Rule 5 Draft, which is scheduled for Dec. 8. Players must be added to the 40-man roster by Nov. 19 to be protected.

What kind of help do the A's need? Will they be active in free agency?
Bullpen help is likely at the top of the list for the A’s, with so many relievers hitting free agency. That search could start with finding a closer, as the team struggled to fill that role after Rosenthal went down with a season-ending injury a couple of days before the start of the season. Oakland could also look to find a veteran-type bat to fill the designated hitter role if it is unable to bring back Lowrie or Davis.

As usual, the A’s are unlikely to be in on the big free-agent names. Most of their activity should come closer to the start of Spring Training.

Whom might they be willing to trade?
Any trade the A’s make for Major League pieces would likely involve them dealing from a strong depth of infielders in their Minor League system. Pitching prospects like A.J. Puk (No. 4) and Daulton Jefferies (No. 5) might also be of interest to clubs.

The whispers about the A’s possibly trading the Matts (Chapman and Olson) will continue to grow this offseason as both get more expensive in arbitration. There has been no indication from the A’s front office that either player is available for trade.