#8
Every year, the Oakland Athletics seem to outperform other teams loaded with more star power and big contracts. Will 2021 continue their run of seemingly anonymous success?
#9 - 2nd in AL West, WILD CARD, lose in Wild Card Game
MIH - Marcus Semien
MIP - Liam Hendriks
PTW - Jesus Luzardo
2020 Results
#5 - 36-24, 1st in AL West, lost in ALDS
The A's once again put together a stellar regular season even though it was short. Taking the crown in the AL West with a bad year from their 2019 MVP candidate in Marcus Semien and without a full season from their best player in Matt Chapman, the A's showed just how much of a collective team they are. With that said, when everything was on the line in the playoffs, they couldn't beat the Astros even though they were by far the superior team in the regular season. This seems to be the next step for the A's; turn regular season success into postseason success.
Additions / Subtractions
It may be a challenge for the A's to improve much this season considering what they lost this offseason. Marcus Semien and Liam Hendriks, two of their most productive players over the last few seasons, signed free agent deals elsewhere. Outfielder Robbie Grossman also moved on. To replace Semien at shortstop, they traded away DH Khris Davis for veteran shortstop Elvis Andrus in one of the more fascinating trades of the offseason. They also signed Trevor Rosenthal and Sergio Romo to help fill the void in the bullpen left by Hendriks. The only other significant move made was signing Mitch Moreland as a possible DH and depth option.
Most Important Hitter
Matt Olson
Matt Olson is another player that wasn't stellar for the A's in 2020, but he is a cornerstone of their lineup. A Gold Glove caliber first baseman, Olson has also shown some great pop in the heart of the order. He has the potential to continue to grow into a superstar, but he has to bounce back from the lackluster 2020. The Two Matt's (Olson and Chapman) are the keys to so much of what the A's do in 2021. Since they proved last season they could survive extended stretches without Chapman, that makes Olson the pick here.
Most Important Pitcher
Jesus Luzardo
The A's have a lot of unassuming but productive talent in the lineup that can match up with anyone. If they lack one thing, it is an ace that can go toe-to-toe with any team out there. Chris Bassitt had an outstanding year in 2020, but he is reaching the back half of his career so who knows how long that will keep up. The future ace of this staff needs to be Jesus Luzardo. It may be a little too early to place huge expectations on a guy like this as he is only entering his age 23 season, but he has the dynamic stuff to be a star in the league. He was just about average in 2020, finishing with a 98 ERA+. He needs to take a huge leap forward and be the stopper that rotation desperately needs. if they plan on having the postseason success they have been missing.
Prospect to Watch
A.J. Puk
It's about time for the A's to start retooling their farm system. They currently boast no prospects in the Top 100 and sit in the lower third of the league in terms of overall farm system. With all that said, I think it is finally time for A.J. Puk to break out. This 6'7" lefty has been on the verge of stardom for several years now, but some injuries have delayed his arrival. Now he is about to turn 26 years old and has fallen out of the Top 100 simply because who knows if he can stay healthy. His stuff is electric though, and if he can finally put it all together, watch out!
2021 Prediction
1st in AL West, lose in ALDS
This season has the potential to look very similar to Oakland fans. They are going to have an excellent regular season, aided by a potentially softening division. Then they will get to the playoffs and run into some juggernaut superteams and not stand a chance. I think playoff appearances might be the peak for this team as it is currently constructed. Going beyond that would be an over-achievement they have not been able to reach quite yet.
Fearless Predictions
Before Opening Day 2022, Matt Chapman and Matt Olson will be traded, a new ballpark deal is done, or the A's will announce a relocation.
Both Matts are under club control with the A's through the 2023 season. With the trajectory their careers are headed, it is only a matter of time before the A's look to unload them at their peak value before they have to pay them too much, especially considering their lackluster farm system. Either that, or something in their situation in Oakland changes that helps them bring in more revenue and allows them to sign someone to a long term deal. Or they get ready to leave town. In the next 12 months, it is very likely that one of those three things happens.
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