(Over the next week, we will be examining each of the A's arbitration-eligible players to determine whether they will return in 2019.)
Ryan Dull split the 2018 season between Oakland and Triple-A Nashville. At the major league level, Dull made 28 appearances with a 4.26 ERA and 1.15 WHIP, with 21 strikeouts in 25 1/3 innings.
In his four-year MLB career, the 29-year-old right-hander is 8-9 with a 3.63 ERA. Dull earned $555K last season and is projected to get $900K in arbitration, according to MLB Trade Rumors.
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Why he might be a bargain
For just $900,000, Dull is certainly worth a look. His career numbers are solid, though he struggled at times over the past two seasons.
Dull likely won't be anything more than a depth reliever, but his arbitration projection is so low that the A's should at least consider bringing him back.
Why he might be too pricey
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While Dull's numbers weren't terrible in 2018, he struggled to find his footing at the Major League level. He also had a rough time in 2017, going 2-2 with a 5.14 ERA and 1.26 WHIP.
Oakland has plenty of depth in the bullpen and there's a good chance Dull would spend much of 2019 in Triple-A.
Verdict
With all of the A's great young relief pitchers, Dull seems unlikely to return next season. Oakland has not been able to rely on him in big situations the past couple of seasons, and at 29 years old, his performance doesn't figure to drastically improve.
Even though Dull is only projected to get $900K, the A's could use that money to help keep other players around next season.