The Case for the A’s to Sign Kolten Wong
Fans of the Oakland Athletics find themselves looking out from a familiar precipice this offseason. Once again having suffered through a disappointing playoff performance (thankfully more extended this time) the outlook is eerily similar. Unfortunately, there is zero comfort to be found in the familiarity, the view from here is dark and terrifying.
Lining up for the illuminated exit signs in the dark room, as if a bad movie just came to its merciful end, are the shortstop (also known as the leadoff hitter, model of consistency, and top 3 MVP ballot finisher just a year ago), the (seemingly) entire bullpen led by the reigning reliever of the year, the second baseman and team leader in batting average, switch hitting leftfielder(forgive me for the run on sentence) and innovative face of the franchise who they made a movie about detailing his ingenious ways. Woof.
We have certainly been here before. (See history of shrewd offseason moves followed by regular seasons of defying expectations coupled with post seasons of Justin Verlander related agony) Having said that, it does not mean something different cannot be done this offseason. This is where I insert my bold proposition. The A’s should sign newly minted FA Kolten Wong. They should do so independent of if Marcus Semien accepts whatever 2 year deal the A’s are willing to offer. This will be the same two year deal that no shortstop entering his age 30 season would want to sign(can you say four years, anyone?). That same 2 year deal Khris Davis is currently on as the highest paid (and least productive?)A. They should do so regardless of the ticket office shortcomings resultant of the pandemic, yada, yada. They should do so because the window which the soon to depart Beane has long touted as the A’s shot is now open, but it wont be forever. The A’s are the clear class of the division right now(at least in the regular season). They have generational talent at the infield corners that they cannot dream of retaining beyond arbitration. (Cant you already see Matt Chapman in pinstripes?) They have young starting pitching with electric stuff who are coming into their own, assuming they can stay healthy and pass drug screens. They have an all-star caliber centerfielder, a great young catcher, etc, etc. The time is now.
Kolten Wong had his 12.5 million dollar option declined by the Cardinals this past week making him a free agent. He’s a lefty bat keen on contact as evidenced by a career 15.2% K rate. This exactly what this team needs. A guy who puts the ball in play. The A’s ranked 25th in baseball with a .225 average in the shortened 2020 season. They were 15th in strikeouts and 15th in OBP. It felt all year as if the offense wasn’t living up to its potential. Wong could be the table setter for a bounce back Matt Chapman season. With more men on base before him, Matt Olsons 30 homers (out of 75 hits) would mean so much more in the run column. I think a lefty bat such as Wong’s in this lineup would bring a sorely needed balance. A small but very important cog in the nine man machine.
I know the front office has expressed interest in bringing Tommy La Stella back, and why wouldn’t they? He was great after coming from LA. Wong would still be an upgrade though because of the defense. Per Fangraphs, he had 6 Defensive Runs Saved and an Ultimate Zone Rating of 3.8. La Stella? A -7 DRS and -1.6 UZR. With the uncertainty at short it would be a huge boost to this infield defense to make that upgrade now. Additionally, competition breeds uncertainty with the likes of Didi Gregorius and Andrelton Simmons also being on the market at the position. Marcus could be waiting for the dominos to fall until late Februrary.
I know that the wallet is likely leaner than ever before and I don’t even know how that’s possible with this ownership group but I think this is a key opportunity. A chance to take a step in making a great regular season team into a contender. This is by no means the only priority on the offseason to do list, but it should be a bullet point in bold.
