A’s Eye Short-Term Solutions Amid Las Vegas Move
In a recent press conference marking Tyler Soderstrom’s contract extension in Las Vegas, Athletics General Manager David Forst provided insights into the club’s current strategy regarding free agency. He disclosed that the team has refrained from engaging with free agents who would have contracts extending into their anticipated relocation to Las Vegas in 2028. This decision effectively limits the A’s to making one- or two-year offers on the market, a significant constraint as they navigate their future.
Exploring Short-Term Deals
While the trade market remains an option for acquiring players with more service time, the focus here is on potential free agents who could offer immediate contributions over the next couple of seasons.
Revisiting Chris Bassitt
A name that stands out for A’s fans is Chris Bassitt, a pitcher who previously donned the green and gold from 2015 to 2021. His return would be met with enthusiasm, given the familiarity and success he had during his tenure. Originally acquired from the Chicago White Sox in the Jeff Samardzija trade, Bassitt developed into the ace of the A’s rotation, particularly in his final three seasons with the club.
The A’s traded him to the New York Mets during their last fire sale, receiving J.T. Ginn in return. Interestingly, Ginn could find himself sharing a rotation spot with Bassitt in Sacramento under certain circumstances. As for Bassitt’s current market value, FanGraphs estimates a two-year contract worth $36 million, a reasonable figure for a seasoned pitcher who would bring much-needed experience to the A’s staff.
As he approaches his age-37 season in 2026, Bassitt’s recent performance includes a strong postseason showing, posting a 1.04 ERA across 8 2/3 innings in seven relief appearances. Over the full season, he recorded a 3.96 ERA (4.01 FIP) over 32 games, showcasing an ability to perform slightly above league average, where the typical starter’s ERA was around 4.21.
Bassitt’s resilience is well-known; he may not always have his best stuff, but he consistently battles through innings, a trait that could greatly benefit the A’s bullpen over a long season. Last season, Luis Severino led the staff with 162 2/3 innings, though he faced challenges and missed some time. For Bassitt, the key question remains whether he would be open to returning to Oakland, given the shifts happening within the franchise and the uncertainty of the team’s competitive outlook as they plan for a move.
Considering Justin Verlander
Another intriguing option could be Justin Verlander, a former rival who could bring a wealth of experience to the A’s rotation. Approaching his 43rd birthday in 2026, Verlander has demonstrated that he still has plenty to offer, even after a solid season with the San Francisco Giants in a pitcher-friendly environment.
His presence could be invaluable for the A’s young pitching talent, including prospects like Luis Morales, Gage Jump, and Braden Nett. Mentorship from a veteran of Verlander’s caliber could significantly impact their development. Financially, Verlander’s contract demands may not be prohibitive; he earned $15 million last season and is projected to command a similar amount for the upcoming year.
Verlander’s recent performance statistics show a 3.85 ERA with a matching FIP, underscoring his continued effectiveness on the mound. While he may not be a long-term solution, his brief tenure could provide the A’s with stability and knowledge as they shape their roster for the future.
As the Athletics contemplate their next moves, the allure of bringing back familiar faces like Bassitt or introducing seasoned veterans like Verlander presents an opportunity to bolster their rotation during a transformative period. With the clock ticking towards their Las Vegas transition, the A’s will need to evaluate all avenues to ensure they remain competitive in the coming years.
