Over the previous four seasons, the A’s gave it their best shot. They developed a strong core of players at the Major League level and supported that cast each year with midseason acquisitions in the hope of making a deep playoff run.
The realization of that ultimate goal — winning a championship — did not materialize, though, and now comes the reset button.
After longtime manager Bob Melvin left to manage the Padres, Spring Training truly marked the end of an era in Oakland as the club shipped out stars Chris Bassitt, Matt Olson, Matt Chapman and Sean Manaea. The return in those deals was a haul of prospects who helped lift an A’s farm system that was in dire need of replenishment. However, with most of those prospects not yet Major League ready, 2022 appears to be the start of a rebuild. Of course, executive vice president of baseball operations Billy Beane is not particularly fond of losing. So despite the breakup of their core, expect the A’s to work within their constraints to field a competitive squad under the guidance of first-year manager Mark Kotsay.
Some of that core from the run of successful A’s teams in recent years remains, including Sean Murphy, Ramón Laureano — who will have to finish out the final 27 games of his suspension this season — and Frankie Montas. Veteran leadership also exists with Stephen Vogt and Jed Lowrie back with the club. Strong production from those players will be essential if the A’s are going to surpass the season…
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