Elephant Rumblings: Hot corner vacancy persists

MLB news roundup

Happy Monday, Athletics Nation!

The A’s have wisely continued acquiring pitching this offseason, following the splashy free agent signing of Luis Severino with a trade acquisition from fellow stadium-woe-sufferers the Tampa Bay Rays to add more depth to the A’s rotation. Connor Ashford and Nico have details and analysis on the A’s newest starting pitcher, Jeffrey Springs.

Meanwhile, significant holes in the A’s defense persist, as the team is widely seen to be in need of solid options at center field and third base, and one of the A’s more viable options at the hot corner may have been taken off the table over the weekend.

While it’s very unlikely the A’s will have a third baseman as good as Alex Bregman in 2025, the “ick” factor in imagining the longtime Astro in green and gold is prohibitive enough on its own, setting aside the sheer unlikelihood of luring a high-profile free agent like Bregman or Nolan Arenado to West Sacramento.

The A’s will likely have to settle for something a bit closer to replacement-level. The Phillies are willing to deal Alex Bohm, typically a pretty average third baseman whose 2024 performance won an All-Star nod, perhaps signaling a leveling up. Apparently, that door has already open and shut as Ken Rosenthal at the Athletic reported that the A’s inquired with the Phillies and were quoted a price of one Mason Miller.

At this point, the best thing to hope for may be someone truly remarkably average—and The Blogfather has just the player to fit that mold. I was truly amazed to learn just how incredibly and improbably absolutely average Gio Urshela is. The 33-year-old free agent may not be the most exciting option, but Urshela certainly isn’t average in terms of consistency, which is always a valuable trait.

No matter what, the A’s are going to have to field nine players come next spring, just like everyone else; it will be interesting to see who ultimately fills the gaps that remain.

Have a terrific week, AN.

A’s Coverage:

• Athletics acquire Jeffrey Springs from Rays
• Springs Hopes Eternal: A’s Acquire Jeffrey Springs From Rays
• Athletics 2024 Season In Review: Mitch Spence
• If You Want A “League Average Third Baseman,” He’s Your Guy
• A’s Looking To Add Third Baseman, “Wouldn’t Rule Out” Another SP Addition
• A’s will forfeit 2025 draft pick after signing Luis Severino
• Philadelphia Phillies, Athletics Discussed Alec Bohm Trade
• Which A’s will make an impact in 2025?

MLB News & Interest:

• What I’m hearing about the Mariners’ willingness to trade Luis Castillo and more ($)
• NPB’s Chunichi Dragons Sign Kyle Muller
• Cubs Interested In Jesus Luzardo
• Astros Now “Serious Suitor” For Nolan Arenado
• Justin, Mat Ishbia Interested In Buying Twins Franchise
• Braves Sign Conner Capel To Minor League Deal
• Mariners Sign Drew Pomeranz To Minor League Deal
• Masahiro Tanaka To Sign With NPB’s Yomiuri Giants
• Phillies Considering Workload Reduction For J.T. Realmuto
• Rays Notes: Boyle, Springs Trade, Shortstop, Soto
• Details On Yankees’ Pursuit Of Kyle Tucker
• Cubs Notes: Hoerner, Third Base, Bellinger, Steele
• Today in Baseball History

Best of X:

Roster moves.

Witt in the middle of it all.

He’s literally big everywhere, but I hope Kyle becomes figuratively big in Japan.