The 2024 MLB Season is right around the corner, and what better way to prepare for the season than an in-depth Power Rankings! Without any other interruptions, let’s begin with the Oakland Athletics.
Notable Additions: Alex Wood, Ross Stripling, Abraham Toro
Notable Losses: Trevor May, Tony Kemp, Jonah Bride
The Athletics have fallen a long way since their 86-76 season in 2021, finishing with 60 and 50 wins in 2022 and 2023, respectively. To add to the damage, they traded away cornerstone pieces Matt Olson, Matt Chapman, and Sean Murphy to start a long and grueling rebuild. Oh, and they are moving to Las Vegas in 2028. As for the A’s in 2024, where do they stand heading into this upcoming MLB season?
Projected Starters
C: Shea Langeliers
1B: Ryan Noda
2B: Zach Gelof
3B: Abraham Toro
SS: Darrell Hernaiz
LF: JJ Bleday
CF: Esteury Ruiz
RF: Seth Brown
DH: Brent Rooker
Looking at the A’s, no names jump out as hitting threats. Sure, Brent Rooker was an all-star and hit 30 home runs with a .817 OPS. However, he was the only qualified hitter, along with Ryan Noda, on the team with an OPS above .700 in 2023. The A’s ranked dead last in team OPS and batting average. Abraham Toro and Miguel Andujar are acceptable additions. Still, the A’s need to add needle movers to this offense before I consider putting this unit in the top half of the league. Hitting Ranking 2/10
Projected Starting Rotation
JP Sears
Paul Blackburn
Alex Wood
Ross Stripling
Luis Medina
JP Sears, Paul Blackburn, and newly acquired starters Alex Wood and Ross Stripling head the A’s rotation. Last year, the A’s pitching staff had a 5.48 ERA, ranking 29th in the league, only behind the Rockies. Blackburn led the team with a 4.43 ERA. Alex Wood had the best ERA for players mentioned with a 4.33 ERA; however, he only started 12 of the 29 games he pitched. I hope Ken Waldichuk can return after recovering from his injury and improve after a disappointing 2023 campaign. I give the A’s rotation a 3/10.
With Trevor May gone, the closer role is up for grabs. Mason Miller and Trevor Gott are the favorites to land that role. I would go with Mason Miller. He had 6 starts in 10 games with a 10.3 K/9. Showing off a 98 MPH fastball, he could be a breakout closer for this bullpen. As for the rest of the bullpen, I see few standout players. I give the A’s bullpen a 2/10.
Sock’s 2 X-Factors
Esteury Ruiz: I know the bases were enlarged last year, but stealing 67 bases is no joke. Having a player who can steal half of the time when he gets on base is a massive advantage. That said, he had a .309 OBP in 497 plate appearances, which is not impressive. His defense could be better despite his speed, and he needs more power. He is only 25 and has plenty of room to grow and develop as one of the bright spots on this 2024 A’s roster.
Zach Gelof: Zach Gelof may have only played 69 games last year, but he made a significant impact in those 69 games. Gelof had a .267/.337/.504 with 14 home runs, 32 RBIs, and a 133 WRC+. Gelof is projected to be the Opening Day 2nd baseman for the A’s, and they may have a budding star at only 24.
Sleeper: Darell Hernaiz: Darell Hernaiz has the chance to prove he is the everyday shortstop for the Oakland A’s in 2024. The 22-year-old hit .321/.386/.456 across Double-A and Triple-A last year. He has impressive basepath speed and could create a dynamic duo with Estuery Ruiz. Will he be a good defender for the A’s? Time will tell. Regardless, on a team that lacks star power, Hernaiz can make a name for himself.
Prospects to Look Forward to
Jacob Wilson: Wilson was the A’s first-round pick in 2023 and did not waste any time getting to work in their farm system. In 26 games, he is hitting .333/.391/.475. During his college career, Wilson only had a 4.4% strikeout rate. He lacks the athleticism to be a big-league shortstop and could find his way over to 3rd base when he gets to the big leagues. Regardless of where he plays, he is a pure hitter and should have no problem climbing the A’s system.
Luis Morales: Morales was one of the top pitching prospects in the 2023 international pool and good for a reason. Across 14 games, he put up a 2.86ERA with 1.09WHIP and 10.8 K/9. His fastball sits around 94-97MPH. Control has been an issue for him, but all the signs of improvement are there. He put on 10 pounds of muscle as he looks to climb the A’s system quickly.
GM For a Day
There’s a lot to do but so little time to do it. Assuming I had complete control of the A’s, I’d look to sign Mike Clevenger or Michael Lorenzen to a 1-year prove-it deal and trade them at the deadline. This way, the A’s could make a splash move for the fans to enjoy, then collect some prospects at the deadline, and the pitchers can prove themselves as high-value rotation pieces.
Projected Finish 52-110, 5th in the AL West, 15th in the AL
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