Oakland, which recruited 51.8 billion left-handed starters, has no money, so why? Payroll $100 Million, AL West Competition
Dec 17, 2024
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Oakland acquired two left-handers Jeffrey Springs and Jacob Lopez through a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays on the 15th (Korea time). Instead, they gave up right-handers Joe Boyle and Jacob Watters, first baseman Will Simpson and a power-balanced A-round draft pick to Tampa Bay.
Oakland surprised the major leagues by bringing FA right-hander Luis Severino for three years and $67 million on the 7th. This is because it was the largest contract in the club's history. He spent $1 million more than the previous record of $66 million he signed with third baseman Eric Chavez in 2004.
In other words, the rotation has been upgraded by about two levels through trade following FA. Springs is the main character of this trade.
He returned in late July after undergoing left elbow surgery, or Tommy John Surgery, in May 2023 and succeeded in reviving by losing 2-2 with a 3.27 ERA in seven games. Springs, who made his major league debut with the Texas Rangers in 2018, threw as a bullpen pitcher before moving to the Boston Red Sox in 2020 and Tampa Bay in 2021, respectively, and took over as a starter from 2022.
He was in the spotlight as the next ace in 33 games (25 starts) in the first season of his transfer, boasting a brilliant pitching record of 9-5 with a 2.46 ERA. In the meantime, he signed an extension contract on the condition of a four-year, $31 million and a club option of $15 million in 2027. However, he suffered an elbow ulnar collateral ligament injury early last season and underwent surgery and had a rehabilitation period of more than a year.
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However, Springs' ransom could be a burden to Oakland. If the annual salary reaches $21 million next year and 2026, and the club option is executed in 2027, it will have to pay $36 million (about 51.8 billion won) for three years. Oakland's payroll, the lowest in the Major League, is certain to surpass $100 million next year. Oakland's payroll this season was $80.21 million, the last of the 30 teams.
Why is Oakland focusing on strengthening its power. This is because he will leave Oakland next year and play the season with Sacramento as his temporary base. Only by showing the image that it is not weak can we increase our marketing competitiveness in our new home base in the future.
Oakland will use Sacramento Stadium, a minor league stadium, for three years starting this year. It's an eternal farewell to Auckland. It will be temporary until 2028, when the new stadium will be completed in Las Vegas, Nevada, which has been decided as its new home. It seems that they are investing a certain amount of 'astronomical' to move their stores due to lack of business.
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Oakland has built a lineup led by young batters this season, including designated hitter Brent Rucker, outfielders Lawrence Butler and JJ Bleday, catcher Shay Langlius, shortstop Jacob Wilson and first baseman Nick Kurtz.
In response, ESPN said, `Oakland is preparing for its first season in Sacramento, risking a sharp increase in payrolls, bringing in Jeffrey Springs by exchanging six players with Tampa Bay.' `Oakland, which has 69 wins and 93 losses this year, is in a position to compete widely in the AL West.'
Oakland hasn't made the postseason for four consecutive years since 2021.
jhno@sportschosun.com
