Predicting the A's Opening Day roster

New-look starting staff spots to be settled during spring camp

February 10th, 2019

The A's 2019 cast largely resembles the 2018 squad that counted off 97 wins and earned a spot in the American League Wild Card Game. The spring season, however, will feature plenty of competition at multiple positions. Here, MLB.com predicts the 25-man roster for Opening Day as camp opens:
Catcher (2):,
The A's have been on the lookout for an upgrade behind the plate, but they've also stated that they'd be comfortable opening the season with a platoon of the newcomer Herrmann and Phegley.
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First base (1):
Oakland's resident scoop master played in all 162 games last season, later taking home his first career Gold Glove Award.
Second base (1):
The A's acquired the switch-hitting Profar in a trade with the Rangers to offset the loss of veteran ; early projections show Profar could match Lowrie's offensive output.
Third base (1):
The Gold Glove-winning Chapman, who homered 24 times in 145 games last year, could prove even more forceful at the plate following offseason surgery to alleviate a wrist issue.

Shortstop (1):
Semien is the longest-tenured Athletic, preparing to enter his fifth season in green and gold.
Outfield (4): , , ,
Martini and Laureano played their way into the mix with strong performances last year, but will also be competing for an outfield job this spring.
Designated hitter (1):
No one in the Majors has more home runs over the last three seasons than Davis, who hit 133 over that span.
Utility (1):
The A's do-it-all man can back up any infield spot. Ditto in the outfield.
Starting pitchers (5): , , Jesus Luzardo, ,
This group is far from set in stone; only Fiers and Estrada are guaranteed spots, while several others will also be considered, including , , , and Tanner Anderson.
Relief pitchers (8): , , , , , , ,
and will also be fighting for jobs in the bullpen, which features one of the best closers in the game in Treinen and a strong supporting staff.

Here's a quick review of the first projection of what the A's roster might look like come Opening Day against the Angels on March 28.
CATCHERS
Chris Herrmann
Josh Phegley
INFIELDERS
Matt Olson
Jurickson Profar
Matt Chapman
Marcus Semien
OUTFIELDERS
Mark Canha
Ramon Laureano
Nick Martini
Stephen Piscotty
DESIGNATED HITTER
Khris Davis
UTILITY PLAYER
Chad Pinder
STARTING PITCHERS
Mike Fiers
Marco Estrada
Jesus Luzardo
Daniel Mengden
Paul Blackburn
RELIEF PITCHERS
Blake Treinen
Lou Trivino
Joakim Soria
Ryan Buchter
Fernando Rodney
Yusmeiro Petit
J.B. Wendelken
Liam Hendriks
INJURED LIST