(Over the next week, we will be examining each of the A's arbitration-eligible players to determine whether they will return in 2019.)
The A's face an interesting decision with right-handed pitcher Kendall Graveman. Oakland's Opening Day starter in 2018 will miss all of next season as he recovers from Tommy John surgery.
Graveman, 27, struggled even before his injury, going 1-5 with a 7.60 ERA and 1.66 WHIP in seven starts last season. However, he was much better the three previous years, recording an ERA between 4.05 and 4.19 in each season.
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SIGN UP HERE Graveman earned $2.36 million last season and is projected to get $2.5 million in arbitration, according to MLB Trade Rumors.
Why he might be a bargain
If the A's believe Graveman can make a full recovery and get back to the pitcher he appeared capable of becoming, he could be worth keeping around. The right-hander was a key piece of the Josh Donaldson trade in 2014 and he looked like he could develop into a solid starting pitcher in Oakland.
If Graveman can get back on track after returning from Tommy John surgery, he could still have a productive career as a starting pitcher.
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Why he might be too pricey
It's hard to give a $2.5 million contract to any injured pitcher, let alone one who struggled the way Graveman did in 2018. Even in a best-case scenario, the right-hander wouldn't contribute in Oakland until 2020.
While the A's clearly struggled at starting pitcher last season, they do have reinforcements on the way in the form of Jesús Luzardo, A.J. Puk, and Jharel Cotton. Graveman may not fit into their long-term plans.
Verdict
This will not be an easy decision for the A's, but all things considered, it's probably time to move on without Graveman. Even if he does make a full recovery from his Tommy John surgery, there is no guarantee he will get back to being a reliable starting pitcher, especially following his struggles in 2018.
By the time 2020 rolls around, the A's will have better starting pitching options than Graveman, who will be 29 years old and nearly two years removed from throwing a pitch in the majors.