After finishing with the worst record in the Majors, the A's enter this offseason hoping that the third year of their rebuild can represent a big step toward getting back into playoff contention. Activity will begin shortly after the World Series finishes up this week. Soon after will come the General Managers Meetings and Winter Meetings over the next two months, which usually marks the point in the offseason where things start to pick up.
Here’s a look at some frequently asked questions about the A’s as they head into the winter:
Which players are free agents?
Utility player Tony Kemp is the only impending free agent who finished the season on the A’s 40-man roster. Veteran reliever Trevor May, who was set to become a free agent, announced his retirement at the end of the season.
Are any of them likely to receive qualifying offers, and what is the deadline for that?
The A’s are not expected to extend any qualifying offers, but for any Major Leaguers who do receive one, teams have until five days after the completion of the World Series to submit.
Which players have contract options and what is the impact on the team payroll?
Right-hander Drew Rucinski, who finished this season on the injured list, has a $5 million club option for 2024 that is unlikely to get picked up by the A's.
Who is a non-tender candidate? When is that deadline?
The crop of players eligible for arbitration this offseason includes Paul Blackburn, Seth Brown, James Kaprielian and Sean Newcomb.
None of the expected raises in pay for Oakland’s four arbitration-eligible players are expected to be large enough to consider them true non-tender candidates, though Newcomb would probably be the most likely of the group given the team’s pitching depth. Blackburn, who will go through his second year of arbitration, is expected to receive the highest salary for the 2024 season, with that number projected to come under $3 million.
This year’s non-tender deadline is Nov. 17.
