If there’s one thing everyone seems to agree on it’s that the A’s will add another starting pitcher before spring training. But who? As options continue to dwindle on the free agent market, and you easily rule out the pricey Dallas Keuchel though he is still unsigned, it’s unclear on whom the A’s might want to roll the dice given their payroll restrictions and the lack of a clear good choice.
Most likely the A’s emphasis is on affordability and ideally a one-year deal, but also the chance for a surprising level of success. Here are some of the remaining free agents Oakland might, or might not, be checking in on:
Gio Gonzalez
Personally, I would rule out Gio, much as I love him, based on the likelihood that he will command too many years (2) and too much AAV (projected at $12M) to fit the A’s payroll needs.