Elephant Rumblings: Those big-spending A’s

MLB news roundup

Happy Friday, Athletics Nation!

Some of you may recognize the meme check in today’s headline—and its connection to Queen Elizabeth II, who we see greeting players from the last dynasty-caliber A’s roster hearkening back to the days when Walter A. Haas, Jr. was the A’s free-spending, winning-prioritizing owner.

In the 21st century, the A’s have devolved from the cost-effective organization that spurred the Moneyball movement to just being downright cheap, refusing to even make a reasonable extension offer to the likes of Marcus Semien, a heaven-made match for the Oakland A’s if there ever was one.

But these aren’t the Oakland A’s anymore. These are the A’s. The new A’s? The No-City Big-Spending A’s of Sacramento? Or just the S#!%-A$$ A’s, no longer sullying Oakland’s good name?

Whatever you prefer to call this iteration of our favorite baseball team, the A’s roster decisions are still presided over by GM David Forst, who promised to boost payroll to an estimated $100 million in 2025, and took a big step towards fulfilling that expectation this week in reaching a 3-year, $67 million deal with upper-middle of rotation starter Luis Severino.

There’s plenty of potential upside—and risk—in this deal, but with all the good karma A’s owner John Fisher has been cultivating in recent years, we should be optimistic. Where’s that sarcasm font when you need it?

But hey: it’s nice to see a splashy move from the A’s, albeit a bit jarring for those of us who have been lulled to unconsciousness from watching ripples in still water for so long. Be sure to catch up on the deets of the deal right here on AN. Connor Ashford has them for you, and The Blogfather came quick with the wit-rich analysis we know and love him for.

Have a wonderful weekend, AN.

A’s Coverage:

• Athletics to sign Luis Severino
• Wha...??? Luis Severino Signing Is A Very “New A’s” Move
• Athletics 2024 Season in Review: Gerardo Reyes
• Stadium Authority satisfied with financing for A’s stadium, approves the $1.75B project

MLB News & Interest:

• Players Linked To Union Discord Replaced In MLBPA Subcommittee Vote
• Pitching market ‘through the roof,’ forcing clubs to get creative
• MLB teams now face new competition for talent: college programs awash with money ($)
• Giants Hire Oscar Bernard, Damon Minor As Assistant Hitting Coaches
• Twins Finalize Coaching Staff
• What if? 9 legendary baseball moments that could have been altered by a ‘Golden At-Bat’ ($)
• Today in Baseball History

Best of X:

Projecting the A’s rotation depth.

Right behind two mega market teams.

Who’s in?

Braden on the Severino deal.