The ageful righty started red-hot but ended the season in roster limbo.
Austin Adams had a whirlwind of a 2024 season with the Athletics, going from emergency bullpen pickup to blossoming late-inning setup man to roster afterthought all in the span of a few months. Though his emotion on the mound recalled memories of rageful righties Grant Balfour and Liam Hendriks, he never reached their heights and will ultimately end up a one-season wonder for the A’s.
How was he acquired?
With days left to go before the season, the Oakland Athletics found themselves very short on veteran relievers and called the New York Mets, who had just outrighted Austin Adams off their 40-man weeks prior. In a swift agreement, the A’s acquired Adams for cash considerations to add the journeyman straight to their Opening Day roster.
What were the expectations?
Having just lost their big offseason bullpen pickup Trevor Gott to Tommy John surgery, the A’s found themselves in the position of being bullpen beggars, not choosers. So close the start of the season, all the team could ask for was a guy that could give them some workable innings, someone that wouldn’t throw games in the toilet. Anything beyond that was extra credit.
2024 Results
Adams started the season red-hot, making the front office look like bargain bin geniuses once again. Up to the end of May, the 33-year-old pitched to a 2.41 ERA/3.43 FIP across 182⁄3 innings, striking out a whopping 25 batters and walking 9. He looked like the perfect bulldog reliever to bridge the gap between any given day’s starter and emerging star closer Mason Miller. His deep-gut yell and gum toss coming off the mound became a signature moment to watch for in close games.
Things took a turn in June, a month in which batters figure him out to the tune of a 9.31 ERA. Though he rebounded nicely in July, he hit the IL in mid-August with right forearm tendinitis and wasn’t able to get back to the Coliseum before the end of the season.
2025 Outlook
The A’s ultimately decided Adams’ roster spot was better spent on a young pitcher or offseason acquisition. Whether it was his age, health, or performance that had the largest influence on their decision is unclear, but he was outrighted off the roster after the season ended. He sensibly elected to become a free agent and will hope to find another major league opportunity elsewhere this offseason.
