Don’t expect a roster makeover with the A’s as some recent offseasons have brought. They have a solid young nucleus to build around, and generally things appear headed in the right direction after a strong finish to the 2017 season. But there’s still a decent-sized to-do list...
This is a formality. A’s officials made clear Monday they plan to exercise Lowrie’s $6 million option. “Jed Lowrie had one of the best years a second baseman has ever had in the history of this franchise,” VP of baseball operations Billy Beane said. The upshot: Top prospect Franklin Barreto, still just 21, is likely to start 2018 in the minors.