The Athletics acquired Starting Pitcher Jeffrey Springs and Relief Pitcher Jacob Lopez from the Tampa Bay Rays earlier today. In exchange for Springs and Lopez, the Athletics shipped out Pitchers Joe Boyle, Jacob Watters, Outfielder Will Simpson, and a compensation A round draft pick. Springs had a stellar 2024 season with the Rays going 2-2 with a 3.27 ERA. He was limited to only seven starts after returning from Tommy John Surgery in July. Lopez had a 5.23 ERA across four appearances in 2024.
Springs has been with the Rays since 2021 and had previous stints with the Texas Rangers and Boston Red Sox. He has a 23-12 career record with a 3.39 ERA. Will this trade be a successful one for the Athletics as they look to turn over a new leaf in 2025 in a new city?
What Will Springs and Lopez Bring To the Athletics?
Tampa Bay will be receiving right-handers Joe Boyle and Jacob Watters, outfielder Will Simpson as well as a compensation A round draft pick from the A's, sources tell ESPN. Jeffrey Springs and one other player are headed from Tampa to the A's.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 14, 2024
The A’s had a tough regular season finishing 69-93 as they missed the MLB Playoffs for the fourth consecutive season. The franchise has officially moved out of Oakland as the Athletics to begin a three-year stint in Sacramento before officially settling in Las Vegas for the 2028 season. After another disappointing regular season, the team has bolstered their pitching staff this offseason. They signed Starting Pitcher Luis Severino to the largest contract in franchise history last week and paid a hefty price to acquire Springs.
The Athletics pitching staff was a weakness for the ballclub in 2024. They were 25th in ERA, 25th in opposing batting average, 28th in strikeouts, and 25th in WHIP. Severino and Springs join a starting rotation that is mostly in flux. The franchise will look to continue improving their starting rotation, and the rest of the roster, over the remaining months of the offseason.
Final Thoughts
The Athletics are building a solid core with Designated Hitter Brent Rooker, Closer Mason Miller, and Catcher Shea Langeliers. Rooker had a great season and finished 10th in American League MVP voting. Miller is one of the best closers in the game and Langeliers has steadily improved during his three MLB seasons. Springs joins an Athletics team on the way up as they look to rebrand from a messy end to their tenure in Oakland.
