The Oakland Athletics are gearing up for a pivotal offseason as the team prepares for its transition to Las Vegas. During a press conference on November 7, 2023, to introduce new signing Tyler Soderstrom, General Manager David Forst addressed questions regarding the team’s approach to free agency this winter.
Forst expressed enthusiasm about the potential to attract free agents, highlighting the ongoing construction of the new ballpark in Las Vegas. He stated, “I would love to bring more guys here. I mean, we toured the construction site earlier with Tyler, and you could sort of just see the power of him getting to see [the under-construction ballpark]. I would love to be able to bring potential free agents here. I don’t see any downsides here.”
The discussion quickly turned to whether Las Vegas has influenced the A’s recruitment efforts. Forst confirmed that the topic has emerged in conversations with free agents, stating, “It has. We have not, as far as free agents, we haven’t talked to guys about contracts extending into here yet. But in these extension deals, we talk about the possibility of being here, and guys are excited about being in Las Vegas.”
Despite this positive sentiment, the A’s are not expected to pursue high-profile players this offseason. For instance, landing a contract similar to the one expected by pitchers like Framber Valdez, projected to be worth around $200 million, appears unlikely. The anticipated opening of the new Las Vegas stadium is set for 2028, limiting the team’s discussions to short-term contracts of two years or less.
This strategy may complicate the A’s chances of attracting top talent. With the current focus on short-term deals, the allure of playing in a minor-league facility may not be sufficient for free agents looking for long-term stability. While the team could opt for overpaying, as they did last year with Luis Severino, whose first season yielded a 4.54 ERA, it raises concerns about the viability of such a strategy moving forward. Severino himself expressed dissatisfaction with his experience playing in Sacramento.
The challenge for the A’s lies in upgrading their pitching staff. Most pitchers likely to improve the roster typically seek longer contracts. If the A’s do not secure these players, they may have to consider less conventional options, including taking chances on lower-tier pitchers.
However, there remains an opportunity for the A’s to leverage the trade market. By pursuing pitchers with greater potential and team control through trades, they could bypass the complexities of convincing free agents about a future in Las Vegas or Sacramento.
Another strategy could involve allowing their young pitchers to develop further. Prospects such as Gage Jump, Braden Nett, and Kade Morris may get their chance in 2026, potentially reducing the need for significant expenditures in free agency. Currently, the A’s have eight starting pitchers projected to begin the season in the minor leagues, all on the 40-man roster. This depth provides them with various options, which will likely be refined as the season progresses and the team evaluates which players fit into their future plans.
Forst’s comments provide a clearer picture of what to expect from the A’s this offseason. The emphasis appears to be on short-term agreements while nurturing young talent, all amid the backdrop of an exciting new chapter in Las Vegas.
