Piece by piece, the A's 2019 roster is slowly starting to come together. But with the Winter Meetings approaching, Oakland still has work to do.
The priority will be adding starting pitching, either through free agency or trade. The A's also need a starting catcher, whether it's last year's starter Jonathan Lucroy or someone new.
Another big question is, does Oakland re-sign All-Star second baseman Jed Lowrie? With 22-year-old Franklin Barreto waiting in the wings, the A's might elect to move on without Lowrie.
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SIGN UP HERE While it's admittedly a bit premature, we take our best crack at projecting Oakland's 25-man roster to start next season.
Lineup
Nick Martini - LF
Ramón Laureano - CF
Matt Chapman - 3B
Khris Davis - DH
Matt Olson - 1B
Stephen Piscotty - RF
Marcus Semien - SS
Franklin Barreto - 2B
Jonathan Lucroy - C
--- We believe the A's will end up re-signing Lucroy, but not Lowrie. Spotrac now lists Lowrie's market value at $16.6 million, a steep price to pay for a 34-year-old. If that's the case, Barreto will get his chance as the starting second baseman.
Athletics
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Bench
Josh Phegley - C
Dustin Fowler - OF
Chad Pinder - Util
Mark Canha - Util
--- Pinder can play just about any position and should see plenty of time in the lineup. Canha can play any outfield spot, as well as first base, and crushes left-handed pitching. Phegley and Fowler will also likely play more than last season.
Starting Rotation
Edwin Jackson - RHP
Clay Buchholz - RHP
Jesús Luzardo - LHP
Daniel Mengden - RHP
Frankie Montas - RHP
--- Here's where it gets interesting. The A's could go several different directions when it comes to adding starting pitchers, both through free agency and trade. We'll predict Oakland signs Jackson and Buchholz, while youngsters Luzardo, Mengden, and Montas round out the rotation.
--- The A's will also have depth options in Paul Blackburn and Chris Bassitt, and should get injured pitchers A.J. Puk and Jharel Cotton back midway through the season. Unfortunately, Sean Manaea and Daniel Gossett will likely miss the entire year.
--- Of course, Oakland could also choose to re-sign Trevor Cahill and Brett Anderson, or possibly acquire an established starter like Sonny Gray or Robbie Ray. We should have a better idea after the Winter Meetings.
Bullpen
Blake Treinen - RHP
Lou Trivino - RHP
J.B. Wendelken - RHP
Fernando Rodney - RHP
Ryan Buchter - LHP
Yusmeiro Petit - RHP
Liam Hendriks - RHP
--- With an already deep bullpen, we don't see the A's re-signing veteran right-hander Shawn Kelley. Oakland should also have right-handers Ryan Dull, Emilio Pagan, and Aaron Brooks on the 40-man roster.