Opportunity Abounds for Arms in Oakland: 7 Intriguing Names for Dynasty Leagues
The A’s are known for a lot. Some good, some very bad. One good is their track record with arms. This season, with a team destined to be meh after an exodus of all stars, opportunity abounds on that mound and there a number of intriguing names for dynasty leagues.
One large factor here is the park. The park plays. Much is said about the Coliseum but one thing everyone can agree on is it is a pitchers park, through and through. A marine layer over the top helps to suppress power and keep balls down while an enormity of foul territory on the ground helps make more outs.
WIth that context, let’s take a look at 7 intriguing arms in the Oakland system:
James Kapreilian
The 2015 Yankee first rounder has waited a long time for what he was able to do last season. He threw 119.1 innings, with a 9.28 K/9, a 3.09 BB/9 and a 4.07 ERA. Kap notedly started the season strong and appeared to tire down over the course of the campaign This is also reflected in the numbers, his ERA and opponents average all progressively worsened month by month from April to September. Considering that his high water mark for innings as a pro was 68 back in 2019, this is not surprising. He got tired throwing the most innings of his career.
Aided by his home park and his bulldog mentality, Kap may find himself as Oakland’s defacto number one starter this season. Considering his pedigree and the flashes of dominance he showed last year, I think he is undervalued and now is a perfect time to buy in.
Daulton Jeffries
If Kapreilian had the season he had always been waiting for, it’s time for Jeffries to have the season the A’s have been waiting for. The 26 year old right hander threw the most pro innings of his career last season, tossing 77 in AAA with a 4.95 ERA in the bandbox that is the Aviator’s home park in Vegas. His previous high was 79 in 2019 across high A and AA. Unfortunately, these are the outliers as the former Cal Bear threw 7 IP in 2017, 2 IP in 2018, and 2 IP in 2020. Drafted as a competitive balance pick at 37th overall in 2016, Jefferies has a plus changeup and plus command.
He looked poised to take a hand in meaningful innings late last season as Oakland fought for a playoff berth, throwing 15 innings with a 3.60 ERA before being sidelined for the year. If Jeffries can stay healthy, he profiles as a mid- back of the rotation starter. Fangraphs projections range from a 4.07–4.66 ERA. There is limited strikeout upside (9.4% SwStr% in AAA in 2021) but I’m optimistic he can maintain a sub 4.2 ERA with limited walks in good health. The time is now.
AJ Puk
Taken with the A’s first overall pick 2016 out of Florida, Puk has long been a tantalizing prospect. That shine has unfortunately dimmed significantly though as the 6’7” left hander has never been able to stay on the mound consistently. 2017 was his largest workload where he threw 125 innings across A+ and AA, striking out over 12 per 9 at both stops.
He’s no doubt tough on hitters with his weapons, release point, and velo, but has always looked somewhat uncomfortable to me on the mound. At this point I think it’s fair to say that starting has not worked for him. Unfortunately, manager Mark Kotsay announced this spring that Puk again would be stretched out, again with the goal of being a starter. I believe Puk, with his long body and awkward delivery, would be best deployed in the bullpen. Able to air out his weapons in a high leverage spot, Puk could be nasty. It is worth noting his fastball velocity dropped by nearly 2 MPH from 2019 to 2021. There is always room for hope but I am not optimistic here.
Brent Honeywell
Speaking of pedigree, Honeywell’s stacks up against anyone. 2021 was a great story with the 26 year old right hander throwing his first game action pitches since 2017. It’s been a long road without question but some questions remain if Honeywell continues to be healthy. Mainly, how does the stuff look? It will be interesting to monitor Honeywell this spring, particularly in terms of his velocity. With good health and a big league roster spot, Honeywell looks to be back from injury purgatory and ready to claim a job in the rotation.
Cole Irvin
Irvin is not exciting by any means. In fantasy vernacular, he is oatmeal, but like the breakfast cereal, Irvin has his positive qualities. After unexpectedly claiming a rotation spot after being acquired for cash from the Phillies, the 28 year old lefty threw 178.1 innings last year with a 4.24 ERA. These numbers again, are not exciting, particularly when you consider his 6.31 K/9 (don’t forget the 2.12 BB/9 though) but consider these splits: Home: 87.2 IP 3.90 ERA; Away: 90.2 IP 4.57 ERA. Like most pitchers, the former Oregon Duck enjoys pitching in the coliseum. Irvin makes a solid home streamer.
Zach Logue
While not laden with upside, the 25 year old right hander arrives in Oakland as part of the return for Matt Chapman, near big league ready. The former Kentucky Wildcat has plus command and 4 pitches, of which the changeup is the highlight. Logue has eclipsed the 100 inning mark in each of his full seasons as a pro. Jobs abound in Oakland and Logue could quickly factor into the rotation mix as his track record is that of durability. He will be an interesting watch this spring.
Colin Peluse
Peluse is likely a couple of years away but he doesn’t seem to be on the radar of fantasy prospect circles. This is not surprising for a 9th round pick out of Wake Forest however he reportedly got stronger during the pandemic and had something of a breakout in the minors in 2021. Armed with an above average fastball, Peluse was solid in high A posting a 3.66 ERA in 86 innings with a 9.63K/9. He threw 15 innings in AA allowing 3 runs and striking out over 10 per 9. The secondaries need work but Peluse is free and his stock is rising.
