The A’s are aiming to offer a substantial contract this winter, hoping to convince a player to join them in a minor-league ballpark. To truly signal a new direction for the franchise, they may need to entice someone to play in Sacramento.
The organization has repeatedly stated that they plan to increase their spending this offseason and in the years to come.
While it’s uncommon for a high-profile free agent from the Los Angeles Dodgers to be available, there’s a slight chance this could happen, thanks to two key offerings from the A’s: a long-term deal and financial incentives.
This brings us to Him.
After missing the entire 2023 season due to a second Tommy John surgery, teams may hesitate to offer him lengthy contracts with large sums. In a recent episode of Fair Territory, Ken Rosenthal estimated a contract for Buehler at around two years for $15 million per season.
If the A’s were to step in and propose an extra year at the same rate or slightly higher, would that be enough to attract the 30-year-old? A deal in the range of three years for $45 million, or even four years for $60 million, might be appealing, especially with flexible opt-outs.
While this would be a significant contract for the A’s, it wouldn’t break their franchise record. That distinction belongs to Eric Chavez’s six-year, $66 million deal signed before John Fisher acquired the team. A four-year, $60 million contract for Buehler would represent the largest commitment Fisher has made in nearly two decades of ownership, and a three-year, $45 million deal would also set a record. Given the low bar, convincing potential players that the franchise is genuinely changing will require substantial effort.
Buehler has a career regular-season ERA of 3.27 and a WHIP of 1.09, but his return from Tommy John surgery saw him post a 5.38 ERA and a 1.55 WHIP in his first 16 starts. Although his velocity and pitch movement are still intact, his performance seemed less impactful than it was in previous years. He has a history as a reliable postseason starter, and the A’s would hope he could lead the team in significant games if they signed him.
However, there’s no certainty that the A’s will pursue Buehler this winter. Historically, they have favored shorter, less expensive contracts, but this offseason is crucial for the franchise. With their move from Oakland after 57 seasons and uncertainty surrounding their future home, ownership must address concerns by either providing solid financial details for their proposed Las Vegas ballpark or by securing a high-quality free agent with some potential risks.
If Buehler were to join the A’s and the arrangement proved successful for both sides, it could mark a significant signing and a pivotal moment for the franchise.
Be the first to comment